Pune: Noise And Light Pollution To Be Reviewed By Parliamentary Panel On September 9

On September 9, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change will examine noise and light pollution across India, according to Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni, who chairs the committee. The committee will assess current regulations, consult technical experts, and may recommend measures to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The key concern, Kulkarni noted, is not the absence of rules but their enforcement. The review arises in the wake of a debate in Pune involving DJs and high-powered sound systems during festivals. In response to the issue, Pune Police have imposed restrictions on DJ systems and pressure horns, warning violators of consequences. While certain political leaders and Ganesh mandal activists have opposed the limitations, residents have highlighted the noise from DJs and dhol-tasha rehearsals.

Kulkarni emphasized that court directives and norms regarding noise pollution are in place, but their implementation remains a major challenge. She stressed the need to consider noise levels during all festivals, not just Ganeshotsav, while prioritizing public health. "There are clear court directives and norms on noise pollution.

The major problem is their implementation," Kulkarni said. She urged organizers to adhere to court directives and specified decibel limits, highlighting that Pune could serve as an example for Maharashtra by celebrating festivals responsibly. Kulkarni recalled that Lokmanya Tilak initiated Ganeshotsav as a public festival to unite people through lectures, cultural programs, competitions, and social awareness activities.

She criticized excessive DJ noise, vulgar songs, and behavior that disturbs residents, arguing that such actions do not align with the festival's original spirit.

Pune Police have confiscated equipment and detected 148 noise violations at six locations. Kulkarni had previously raised the issue with senior police officials and backed efforts to maintain Ganeshotsav free of DJs while urging police to enforce the restrictions in a dignified manner. Around 200 Ganesh mandals have already pledged not to use DJs, and she called on others to follow their lead.

The September 9 meeting will offer a broader platform to review noise and light pollution, evaluating whether existing measures require reinforcement.