Nagpur: While politicians, Ganpati mandals and law enforcement agencies continue sparring over restrictions on DJs and noise pollution during public celebrations, several citizen groups have come together to campaign for stricter adherence to decibel norms.Groups like the Trimurti Nagar Residents Action Wing (TRAW), Dharampeth and West Nagpur Nagarik Sangh, Janaakrosh, among other groups, will hold a silent march at Laxmi Bhuvan Square in Dharampeth on Sunday. Participants will wear masks and stage the protest without slogans, speeches or amplified sound.Niteesh Chaudhary, a member of TRAW, said the organisation has been raising the issue of noise pollution for the last few years. “Ganeshotsav is the right time to spread awareness about the issue. The CP order on DJ norms has also led to a lot of political sparring,” Chaudhary said.Chaudhary said the issue is already before Bombay High Court through a petition concerning noise pollution. According to Chaudhary, while only a small percentage of people engage in activities involving excessive noise, a much larger section of the population ends up bearing the consequences. “We felt people wanted to raise this issue but did not have a platform,” he said.The groups said the march was intended to demonstrate that citizens were united in their opposition to noise pollution and wanted public celebrations to be conducted responsibly. The protest will begin at 8am, with participants expected to gather at Lakshmibhuvan Square. Organisers said the programme would begin with a Ganesh Vandana before the silent march.Former MLC Sandip Joshi has extended his support to the initiative and is likely to participate in the protest. Chaudhary said the silent nature of the demonstration was itself intended to send a message. “We want to show that worship can also be done silently,” he said.
