Bihar Government Implements Strict Ban on Unlicensed DJ Music
In a decisive move to address rising noise pollution, Bihar's Transport Minister Shrawan Kumar declared on Thursday that the state government will impose a stringent ban on unlicensed and high-decibel DJ music within the next 15 days. This initiative targets the widespread issue of deafening sound systems at events like weddings, which have been linked to serious health complications.
Immediate Action Against Illegal DJ Operations
The minister emphasized that vehicles illegally modified into DJ trolleys or those operating above permissible noise limits will face immediate confiscation and punitive measures. "DJ music will be banned at wedding processions and other events within 15 days. It is illegal to modify vehicles into DJ trolleys or to play loud DJ music without permission," Kumar stated during a session in the legislative council.
This announcement came in response to concerns raised by MLC Banshi Dhar Brajwasi and other members, who highlighted the detrimental effects of noise pollution on public health, including incidents of cardiac arrests. The minister assured the House that strict action would be taken against unauthorized DJ vehicle owners, aiming to make Bihar "illegal DJ-free" swiftly.
Special Campaign and Legislative Support
To enforce this ban effectively, the transport department will launch a special campaign against noise pollution. Kumar warned members not to seek exemptions later for allowing DJs at weddings, underscoring the government's commitment to this cause. MLCs Brajwasi and Birendra Narayan Yadav pointed out that many DJ vehicles lack proper registration numbers or valid identification, facilitating illegal activities and exacerbating the problem.
Other members of the legislative council supported the demand for a strict ban, also flagging incidents of gunfire at weddings and other events as a matter of serious concern that requires attention alongside noise control measures.
Ethanol Quota Increase for Bihar
In related developments, Industries Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal informed the House that the Centre has agreed in principle to increase Bihar's ethanol quota. This decision followed a meeting between a Bihar delegation, led by Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, and Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday.
Jaiswal explained that the Centre had previously signed an MoU to purchase only 35.28 crore litres of ethanol from Bihar, despite the state producing over 50 crore litres monthly. The quota was reduced due to logistics constraints faced by oil companies, such as inadequate warehousing facilities.
Responding to questions from RJD MLCs Sachchidanand Rai and Sunil Kumar Singh, Jaiswal noted that the Centre had agreements with only 11 dedicated ethanol plants. However, eight additional plants have since started operations in Bihar, attracted by the business potential, though these units currently lack purchase agreements with the government, highlighting a need for expanded support and infrastructure.
