Sound system owners in North Bengal have threatened to shut down their businesses from Mahalaya if their demands are not met. The North Bengal Sound Owners Welfare Association held a press conference in Siliguri to share their problems regarding government rules for sound systems.
The association has placed an eight-point demand before the administration. They are asking for clear government rules on sound system use and want these rules applied equally to everyone. Business owners stated that they face major problems due to the current 65-decibel limit and want uniform rules for political, cultural, and other events.
Sound business owners often face extreme pressure from both the administration and event organizers. During the festive season, administrators often order sound systems to be turned off after a set time. At the same time, event organizers pressure them to keep the sound running, leaving workers caught in the middle. The association noted that thousands of families and employees depend on the sound business in North Bengal.
Association members stated they have already written a letter to the Chief Minister about these issues. However, they have not received any positive response so far.
They have warned that if quick action is not taken on their eight-point list, all sound businesses across North Bengal will stop working completely from Mahalaya.