Chandrapur: Police have banned DJs, woofers, subwoofers, modified sound systems, and high-intensity laser and flashing lights during festival processions in Chandrapur while imposing strict decibel limits across the district ahead of Pola, Tanha Pola, Ganeshotsav, and immersion processions.The restrictions, ordered by the SP Ayush Nopany under Sections 36 and 38(1) of the Maharashtra Police Act, will remain in force upto midnight on September 27, except on dates specifically exempted by the district magistrate.The regulations establish strict decibel caps across four urban zones, from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, scaling down from industrial areas (75 dB daytime, 70 dB nighttime) to commercial (65 dB / 55 dB), and residential zones (55 dB / 45 dB).The stricter silence-zone limits apply around hospitals, educational institutions, and courts, where excessive noise can cause particular disruption.The police have also prohibited flashing lights that could potentially harm eyesight. To ensure accurate enforcement, sound meters have been provided to every police station in Chandrapur district, and personnel have received specialised training in their use.Officials indicated that the equipment will not be used only during Ganeshotsav but will remain part of regular enforcement throughout the year, keeping public health in focus.The order gives police powers to inspect and seize sound and lighting equipment under Section 70. Organisers and drivers violating the restrictions may be arrested without a warrant under Section 72(2), while violations can result in prosecution under Sections 134 and 136.SP Ayush Nopany has directed festival committees and procession organisers to comply with the restrictions and ensure that celebrations do not compromise public peace, health and safety.Expert View: Noise Curbs Effectively Rule Out High-Volume DJ SystemsAn expert in DJ audio said the prescribed decibel limits effectively make conventional high-powered DJ systems impractical for public processions. Professional DJ speakers typically produce 110–120 dB at one metre even at moderate power, while high-powered systems can reach 126–130 dB.Against this, Chandrapur’s permissible limits range from 40 to 75 dB, depending on the zone and time. Operating a DJ within these limits would require drastically reducing its output, leaving little scope for the high-volume sound normally associated with such systems.In practical terms, the restrictions do not merely regulate DJs but make conventional high-decibel DJ operation incompatible with the prescribed legal limits.