Delhi govt allows loudspeakers till midnight for Ramlila, Durga Puja festivities
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi government on Monday permitted the use of loudspeakers and public address systems till midnight during Ramlila, Durga Puja, Dussehra and related events.
The relaxation, valid from September 22 to October 3, was granted with the approval of Lt Governor V K Saxena, following a request from the government.
The extension pushes the permissible time limit from 10 pm to 12 midnight, subject to adherence to the Noise Pollution Rules. In residential areas, organisers have been directed to ensure that sound levels do not exceed 45 decibels.
Officials said the relaxation comes after years of demands from organising committees for limited relief in timings during the festive season, and the decision seeks to strike a balance between cultural traditions and public health concerns related to noise pollution.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa thanked the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for granting the extension.
"Considering the long-standing request of Ramleela Committees, the government under CM Rekha Gupta has granted this," Sirsa said.
He added that the relaxation is a "time-bound facilitation to ensure smooth conduct of the festivals," emphasising that festivals "unite Delhi and this facilitation respects faith".
Sirsa, who also heads the Delhi government's Durga Puja Committee, said he had held several meetings with district magistrates, civic officials and representatives from agencies including MCD, PWD, Forest and Horticulture departments to ensure arrangements at venues.
"The government is ensuring all necessary facilities so that the smooth conduct of festivities can be ensured," he said.
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Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
