Days after rejecting the request to hold the NH7 Weekender music festival at Sus in Pune, the Pimpri Chinchwad police cited concerns over potential disruptions to senior citizens and IT professional residents, as well as the risk of traffic congestion, as primary reasons for denying permission. The police also clarified that they had verbal communicated the same to organisers around two months ago, while also suggesting an alternate venue in Moshi for the event.
Senior Inspector Anil Vibhute, in-charge of Bavdhan police station said, “The organiser of NH7 Weekender musical festival, Girish Shinde had sought permission to hold the event on behalf of Nodwin Gaming company at Teerth Fields at Sus for December 14 and 15 between 2 pm and 10 pm. The officer of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2) has verbally denied permission citing following reasons. This area is predominantly residential and a number of senior citizens and IT professionals live here. The road between Mumbai Bangalore Highway and Teerth Fields has one way traffic and often faces traffic congestion. In the past, an event of a similar nature had caused severe traffic congestion and greatly inconvenienced locals.”
Vibhute said,”Because the proposed programme venue was at an elevation, the loud music and high intensity lights could have caused great discomfort to locals, which is why the permit was denied. Officials including Deputy Commissioners of Police of Zone 2 and Traffic and Assistant Commissioner of Police of Wakad had visited the venue and said permission could not be given. Written communication denying permission was sent by Traffic Branch and Zone 2 office on December 2 and 11 respectively to the organisers. Meanwhile a liquor permit was also denied to the programme by the State Excise Department. The owner of the venue had also told the organiser that the event could not be held without a permit from the administration.”
An official from Pimpri-Chinchwad police said, “The organisers were also given a suggestion to hold the event at Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre Ground at Moshi where the event would cause minimum possible disruption to traffic and residents.”
The officer said, “We are urging organisers of events to consult police prior to announcing the venue of these events. Police will extend all possible support within the confines of law.”
Earlier this week, Pimpri-Chinchwad police registered a criminal offence of repeat public nuisance and violations of noise pollution and environment protection norms after locals of Bavdhan made multiple complaints about loud music and beam lights used during a late night party held for the birthday of Balaji Rao, director of Venky’s India. Officials said multiple celebrity artistes performed at the event, and police had booked the organiser of the party in the offence.
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