Hyderabad police impose strict measures for peaceful Sankranthi celebrations
HYDERABAD: As the vibrant Sankranthi Festival approaches, the Hyderabad City Police has laid down stringent regulations to maintain law and order, ensure public safety, and prevent potential disturbances during the celebrations from January 14 to January 15, 2024.
In a bid to avert incidents and maintain peace, the police authorities have prohibited kite flying on all major thoroughfares and in the vicinity of places of worship throughout the festival period. This measure aims to mitigate the risk of breaches of peace and accidents associated with the traditional activity.
Furthermore, organizers and hosts have been reminded that the use of loudspeakers or DJs in public spaces requires prior permission from the concerned police authorities, in adherence to Rule 8 of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. The regulations also emphasize that no provocative speeches or songs should be played over these sound systems.
To curb noise pollution, the guidelines set limits on noise levels from speakers or public address systems. Additionally, a nighttime restriction on loudspeaker use, from 10:00 pm to 06:00 am, aligns with directives from the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
Responsibility for compliance with these regulations rests with the individuals seeking permission and the house owners or hosts. Parents are strongly advised to supervise their children during kite flying activities, especially cautioning against flying kites from terraces without parapet walls and avoiding running on roads or vulnerable areas.
In a plea for cooperation from the public, authorities have urged revelers not to collect wood forcibly for bonfires and to use wood only with the consent of owners, promoting a sense of communal responsibility.
The Hyderabad city police has issued a stern warning that any violation of these orders will lead to prosecution under the Hyderabad City Police Act, 1348 Fasli (No. IX), the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and other relevant laws.
These regulations will be in effect from 6am on January 14, 2024, to 6am on January 16, 2024. Residents and participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with and adhere to these guidelines to ensure a peaceful and incident-free celebration of the Sankranthi Festival.