Activists Launch Indefinite Hunger Strike in Belagavi Against Noise Pollution
Social activists, spearheaded by Srinivasgouda Patil, commenced an indefinite hunger strike at the Belagavi Deputy Commissioner's office on Monday. This protest aims to hold police and transport officials accountable for their failure to curb the rampant use of high-decibel DJ systems on tractors and private vehicles. The activists emphasized that this issue is causing severe distress to women, children, and commuters across the districts of Belagavi, Bagalkot, and Vijayapura.
Widespread Impact of Noise Pollution
Srinivasgouda Patil, a social activist from Obalapur village in Ramdurg taluk, detailed the extensive reach of the problem. He stated that DJ sound systems are being used in tractors and private vehicles across all taluks in Belagavi, Bagalkot, and Bijapur districts. The resulting noise pollution from loudspeakers has made it difficult for children, women, and the elderly to move around freely. Additionally, the interference has rendered receiving and making phone calls nearly impossible, severely impacting people's health and daily lives.
Vulgar Lyrics and Increased Accidents
The activists highlighted that the songs played through these DJ systems often contain vulgar and provocative lyrics, disturbing peace in public spaces. Moreover, the noise pollution has contributed to an increase in accidents, posing a significant safety risk. Despite repeated appeals to the police department, transport department, and taluk and district administration to halt the use of DJ sounds, no concrete action has been taken against the vehicle owners and users involved.
Previous Protests and Unfulfilled Promises
Patil recalled that a prior hunger strike was held in front of the Ramdurg RTO's office, where officials were urged to take action against the broadcasting of obscene songs in vehicles. During that protest, activists successfully convinced officials that vehicle owners and drivers were violating key regulations, including the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, the Environment Protection Act 1986, and the Noise Pollution Regulations Act 2000. Although RTO officials promised to resolve the issue within one month, no follow-up actions were implemented, leading to the current indefinite hunger strike.
Support from Senior Leaders
The protest saw the presence of several senior leaders from the social organization, including Basavaraj Tigadi, advocate SK Patil, Dr. Basavaraj Savanur, Mahesh Kumar, Shrishail Baragundi, Revappa Madar, and Fakirappa Karadiguddi. Their involvement underscores the collective demand for immediate intervention to address the noise pollution crisis and its associated health and safety hazards.
