In a country where high-decibel DJs have become almost inseparable from religious processions and celebrations, Vadodara has scripted a different story — one where heritage prevailed over noise, and persuasion triumphed over force.
At the heart of this transformation stands Narasimha N. Komar, a 1996-batch IPS officer of the Gujarat cadre, currently serving as the Commissioner of Police, Vadodara City. Through sustained dialogue, community mobilisation, and principled policing, he led the successful implementation of a “No DJ Zone” in the historic old city — without lathis, without confrontation, and without coercion.
A HERITAGE UNDER THREAT
Mandvi Gate, the iconic square pavilion at the centre of Vadodara’s walled city, is more than a structure — it is a living memory of the Mughal and Gaekwad eras. Built during the reign of Sultan Muzaffar (1511–1526 AD), later renovated under Damaji Rao II, and expanded in 1856 by Ganpatrao Gaekwad, the four-storied structure with its bold arches and intricate jaalis stands at the intersection of roads leading to the city’s four historic gates — Mandvi, Lehripura, Champaner, and Pani Gate.
For decades, religious and social processions — Ganesh Visarjan, Ram Navami, Tazia, Shiv Jayanti and others — passed through this route with blaring DJs. Over time, experts warned that the intense vibrations from high-decibel sound systems were threatening the structural stability of these centuries-old monuments.
The Vadodara Municipal Corporation declared the old city a “No DJ Zone.” But enforcement remained the real challenge.
DIALOGUE OVER DOMINANCE
That responsibility fell on the shoulders of the Vadodara City Police.
Rather than imposing the ban through force, Commissioner Komar chose conversation. Meetings were held with organisers across religious, social and political groups. Heritage experts were consulted. Community leaders were sensitised.
In a conversation with Indian Masterminds, Komar said,
“This is an example where police created change without using any force or enforcement.”
He added, “When we told people that this city and this heritage belong to them, they understood. We only explained the reasons behind the restriction.”
The approach worked. Gradually, organisers across communities agreed to comply.
HERITAGE WITH DEVELOPMENT
Aligned with the vision of “Virasat bhi, Vikas bhi,” the initiative positioned heritage protection as a collective responsibility rather than a regulatory imposition. Vadodara — often called Sanskar Nagari — responded in spirit.
During Mahashivratri, the grand ‘Shiv Ki Sawari’ procession moved through the old city without DJs. Traditional bands replaced electronic sound systems. Devotional chants filled the air instead of amplified bass. The event was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who performed the Maha Aarti at Sursagar — marking a symbolic victory for heritage-conscious celebration.
Heritage lovers, civic bodies, elected representatives, and the media rallied behind the move.
FOUR GATES, ONE RESOLVE
Vadodara’s historic core — once the centre of the Gaekwad State — houses four iconic gates and landmarks like the Lakshmi Vilas Palace. While DJs remain permitted under regulations in the newer parts of the city, the old city now stands protected.
Commissioner Komar revealed that this is only the beginning.
“We have started with the four gates, but slowly we are moving towards a complete ban of DJ in heritage-sensitive areas,”he said.
A MODEL OF SENSITIVE POLICING
In an era where enforcement often makes headlines, Vadodara Police chose empathy over aggression and consensus over compulsion.
The success of the No DJ Zone is not just about controlling sound — it is about preserving identity. It is about demonstrating that police leadership can win respect, trust, and voluntary compliance through sustained engagement.
Mandvi still glows on festive nights, illuminated in vibrant lights. But now, its arches resonate with something stronger than sound — collective responsibility.
And in that silence lies the true victory of sensitive policing.
