Only devotional songs at 75 decibel: M'nagar admin

Muzaffarnagar: Ahead of the kanwar yatra scheduled to begin on July 30, Muzaffarnagar administration and police on Sunday while enforcing the UP govt's prescribed norms for DJs, stated that "only devotional songs at not more than 75 decibels will be permitted" and also asked DJ operators to sign an undertaking not to play caste-based, communal or provocative music during the procession.Warning DJ operators of legal action, including fines, seizure of equipment and imprisonment, for flouting of norms, police stated that "no music system set up should exceed 10 feet in height and 12 feet in width".A meeting in this regard was held at the Police Lines, where senior cops briefed music system operators from Muzaffarnagar and neighbouring districts about the mandatory guidelines to be followed during the pilgrimage.Sadar circle officer, Raju Kumar, said the Police Lines meeting was held to sensitise DJ operators about the govt's directives and the Supreme Court guidelines aimed at ensuring safe and orderly kanwar yatra.He added, "We've told all operators that under no circumstances should DJ systems exceed the prescribed dimensions or sound limits. Only devotional songs related to the festivities will be allowed. Any casteist, communal or objectionable songs will invite strict legal action."

Notably, every year, lakhs of kanwariyas carrying holy water from the Ganga in Haridwar pass through Muzaffarnagar on their way to Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Rajasthan and other UP districts.An officer further said, "DJ operators have been asked to inform kanwar committees about these restrictions in advance to avoid disputes later. Any violation would attract action under BNS provisions along with Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and Environment (Protection) Act."