As excitement builds for Coldplay’s concerts on the 25th and 26th of January at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, concerns over child safety have led to new regulations. The Ahmedabad District Child Protection Unit has barred children under five from attending the event and mandated earplugs for those aged 5-18 to protect against loud noise. A legal notice has been issued to lead singer Chris Martin and the concert organisers, enforcing these child safety measures.

The guidelines, issued recently, follow a petition by Prof. Punditrao Dharenavar, a Sociology professor from Chandigarh. “The District Child Protection Unit promptly acted on my email petition,” Dharenavar said, stressing the dangers of sound levels exceeding 120 decibels, which are common at large-scale concerts. The concerts, part of Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour, are expected to draw over one lakh fans for what could be the band’s largest-ever stadium audience.

Organisers have been instructed to maintain sound levels below 120 decibels and avoid bringing children on stage, citing risks from loud music and flashing lights. The World Health Organisation warns that such conditions can be harmful to children’s hearing and overall health.