Kumta: Uttara Kannada MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri has extended his support to a campaign against the use of high-volume DJs and loud sound systems during the Ganesh festival and other religious events in the district.
Kageri praised the campaign being led by Dr Ravi Raj Kadle and his team and encouraged those involved in their efforts to raise awareness about the impact of excessive noise. The campaign has reportedly been active for several years and has received support from several individuals and sections of the public, despite opposition and an alleged attack on some campaigners in the past.
The district administration's restrictions on the use of DJs and high-volume sound systems during religious events have also been welcomed by public representatives and residents in Kumta and other parts of Uttara Kannada. Supporters of the restrictions have argued that religious festivals should be observed in a peaceful environment rather than being accompanied by excessively loud music.
Campaign supporters have also expressed concern over the health and civic impact of high-decibel sound. They said several cities, including Pune in Maharashtra, have faced similar concerns over noise pollution. They credited Deputy Commissioner and district police authorities, including Superintendent of Police M.N. Deepan, with taking firm measures to limit the use of DJs during this year's Ganesh festival.
Criticism of Kumta MLA's stand
Meanwhile, former Holingadde Gram Panchayat member Maruti Shetty criticised recent remarks by Kumta MLA Dinkar Shetty concerning the restrictions on DJs, saying elected representatives should avoid what he described as “politics of noise” for electoral gains.
In a press statement, Shetty said he was disappointed by the MLA's reported remarks and argued that similar attention should be given to educational institutions and the problems faced by students in Kumta.
He said the town could make greater progress if greater attention were directed towards children's education and the problems of working people rather than DJ-based celebrations. He also claimed that making statements that disregard Supreme Court directions on loudspeakers and noise levels was unbecoming of an elected representative.
Shetty further said that while children from affluent families could study in air-conditioned rooms, many children from poor families continued to study without basic facilities. He urged public representatives to focus on such issues instead of supporting loud DJ culture.
Shetty also argued that DJ performances were not necessary for the worship of Lord Ganesha. In a sarcastic reference to the growing use of DJs during celebrations, he said there could eventually be a situation where “DJ seva” replaces traditional offerings such as coconuts and fruit.
He said it was unfortunate that people entrusted with building an educated and responsible society were supporting DJ culture for what he described as electoral considerations.