A major mishap occurred in Jatani of Khurda district on Sunday night during a mass Ganesh idol immersion procession, leaving one person dead and at least seven others seriously injured.
The incident occurred while a large number of people had gathered to watch the immersion procession. During the procession, a concrete roof of a building located above a Punjab National Bank premises reportedly collapsed and fell on the spectators below.
The deceased has been identified as Biswajit Barik of Harirajpur village. Seven others sustained serious injuries in the incident and are undergoing treatment.
Alleged Role of Loud DJ Sound
According to allegations, the concrete slab collapsed due to the intense sound and vibrations generated by a high-volume DJ system being used during the immersion procession. However, the exact cause of the structural collapse is yet to be established.
Senior police officials, including the DCP and Additional Commissioner of Police, reached the spot and took stock of the situation following the incident.
The mishap has also raised questions over the use of DJ systems during religious processions. The Commissionerate Police had reportedly imposed restrictions on DJ use ahead of the Ganesh Puja celebrations. Questions are now being raised over how a DJ system was allowed during the immersion procession despite the restrictions.
Concerns Over Noise Pollution
The incident has once again brought the issue of noise pollution caused by high-powered DJ systems into focus.
Sound levels from DJ systems commonly used during weddings, festivals and public celebrations can reportedly reach 100 to 120 decibels or even higher. Prolonged exposure to excessively loud sound can cause hearing-related problems.
Experts generally consider prolonged exposure to high sound levels harmful to hearing. Very loud noise can cause pain and damage to sensitive structures of the ear, while prolonged exposure may lead to permanent hearing impairment.
Questions Over Enforcement of Noise Rules
Strict regulations are in place in India to control noise pollution. The use of loudspeakers and sound systems is subject to prescribed limits and permissions, while the use of loud sound systems during night hours is restricted under applicable rules.
The Jatani incident has renewed questions over the enforcement of these regulations. Despite restrictions on DJ systems in Odisha and existing noise pollution norms, questions are being raised about how high-volume DJ systems continue to be used during public celebrations.
The incident has also triggered concerns over whether adequate monitoring and enforcement measures are being implemented during religious processions and other public events to prevent excessive noise and ensure public safety.
Authorities are expected to ascertain the circumstances leading to the roof collapse and examine whether violations of prescribed noise and procession-related rules contributed to the incident.