Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Nov 19: ‘Kantara’ is making waves all over the country. Due to this movie traditional activities of Tulunadu like Kambala, Nema and Kola have got unprecedented importance. However, the order of the Supreme Court (SC) on the sound pollution of Yakshagana and Kambala have dampened the spirit of these traditional events. The organizers are in a dilemma.
The SC has upheld the sound pollution rule and ordered it to follow the 2005 rule in this regard. According to the 2005 rule, loudspeakers cannot be used from 10 pm to 6 am. This has caused major hurdles to Jathra and Utsavs of coastal districts.
According to rules prevailing in Karnataka, sound up to only 10 decibels can be produced at night in industrial zones. In commercial establishment areas, 55 decibels is allowed, while in residential areas the permitted level is 45 decibels. The Yakshagana and Kambala organizers say that it is difficult to follow these rules.
The state government has given the green signal to use loudspeakers within the permissible limits in religious centres. However, it has not given any guidelines to Kambala, Yakshagana, Jathra and Utsav, the season of which is going to begin in November. Yakshagana lovers say that if the traditional events are prohibited, it will affect the tourism sector also.
Responding to the issue, district Kambala committee president Rohit Hegde said, “Kambala is the culture of Tulunadu. This is held within the ambit of SC order on sound pollution. As Kambala sport is not conducted in residential areas, sound pollution is not an issue for us. DC will also be apprised of the same when a meeting is called on the matter.”
Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Ravikumar M R said, “Yakshagana and Kambala are the pride and religious beliefs of Tulunadu. There is opportunity to present these arts within the ambit of SC order. A meeting will be called in this regard very soon.”