Ensure no loudspeaker noise in silence zones of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad: NGT tells govt, DGP

The National Green Tribunal, Western Branch, has mandated the State Government and Director General of Police to strictly adhere to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 in all silence zones across Maharashtra, including Pune city and Pimpri-Chinchwad, according to officials. The tribunal bench also instructed that records of action taken under this rule should be maintained by the authorities and submitted as directed.

This ruling was issued in response to an application filed by Dr Kalyani Mandke, a Pune resident, who argued that the Noise Pollution Rule explicitly prohibits the use of loudspeakers or public address systems in silence zones, imposing penalties for such violations. Dr Kalyani Mandke's counsel requested an additional four weeks to file an affidavit before the court, which was granted by the tribunal.

The applicant's counsel detailed the consequences of non-compliance in these designated areas, including penalties for playing music, using amplifiers, beating drums, or bursting firecrackers with loud sounds. Mukund Kirdat, representing the Loudspeaker-Virodhi Punekars Forum, welcomed the NGT's directive, emphasizing that the order mandates absolute compliance, effectively banning any loudspeaker noise in these silence zones.

The initial order was passed in 2024, but due to lack of implementation, Dr Kalyani Mandke re-filed her application on September 10, leading to the current order.