Hyderabad Police imposes restrictions on kite flying & loudspeakers during Sankranti festival

Hyderabad: In an effort to maintain public safety and order during the Sankranti Festival, the Hyderabad City Police on January 9, 2025, announced several restrictions on activities, including kite flying and the use of loudspeakers, from January 13 to 15, 2025.

C.V. Anand, Commissioner of Police, issued a directive under Section 22 (1), (2), and (3) of the Hyderabad City Police Act, 1348 Fasli, prohibiting kite flying on all major thoroughfares during the festival. The ban is intended to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

Additionally, the use of loudspeakers or DJs in public spaces is restricted without prior permission from the police. The use of such sound systems must comply with the noise pollution standards set by the Government of Telangana. As per the guidelines, noise levels must not exceed the following limits:

• Industrial Areas: 75 dB(A) during the day, 70 dB(A) at night
• Commercial Areas: 65 dB(A) during the day, 55 dB(A) at night
• Residential Areas: 55 dB(A) during the day, 45 dB(A) at night
• Silent Zones: 50 dB(A) during the day, 40 dB(A) at night

No loudspeakers or public address systems are allowed between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., in compliance with Supreme Court guidelines.

The Commissioner also urged parents and citizens to guide children and ensure they fly kites safely. They are advised not to allow children to fly kites from rooftops without parapet walls or to run on roads while retrieving stray kites. Special caution is advised near electric poles to prevent electrocution.

Further, public bonfires are not to be made by collecting wood without the consent of property owners.

Violators of these regulations will face legal action under the Hyderabad City Police Act, 1348 Fasli, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and other relevant laws. The orders will be enforced from 6:00 a.m. on January 13 to 6:00 a.m. on January 15, 2025.