Thane bans DJs for Ganeshotsav; loudspeakers may run till midnight on four days

DJ systems will not be allowed during Ganeshotsav in Thane, while loudspeakers have been permitted until midnight on September 15, 18, 19 and 25.

District Collector Dr Shrikrishna Panchal announced the directions at a law-and-order review meeting, asking government departments, Ganesh mandals, social organisations and residents to coordinate for the festival. On all other days, loudspeakers must stop by 10pm. Silence zones near hospitals, schools and colleges are to be maintained, with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board asked to issue decibel-limit guidance and run daily awareness drives.

Police, Home Guards and Civil Defence volunteers will be deployed at congested spots and procession routes. Mandals near railway stations have been told not to obstruct traffic while setting up pandals, and road teams have been asked to repair procession routes. MSEDCL has been tasked with maintaining electricity supply.

The administration has urged residents and mandals to use Shadu clay idols. Idols below six feet must be immersed only in artificial ponds or residential-society arrangements. Preparations are also under way to complete immersion ghat works by September 13.