Ban on pressure-mid, plasma, laser systems; 71 noise pollution cases filed

During this year’s Ganesh festival in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, 71 cases of noise pollution have been registered, marking a concern for the authorities. The police have reiterated a ban on high-intensity sound and lighting equipment such as pressure-mid sound systems, plasma lights, and high-intensity laser lights during the immersion processions.

Pune Police have registered 21 cases, while Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have registered 50 cases. To monitor sound levels, Pune Police have deployed 120 teams equipped with decibel meters, while Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have also been keeping track of violations.

Vidyanand Bapat, a Pune activist, has raised concerns over noise pollution during the festival and has been calling for stricter enforcement of prescribed limits. The police have conducted meetings with Ganesh mandals to discuss the number and duration of Dhol-Tasha performances, with mandals promising to limit troupes to two per mandal.

Each Dhol-Tasha troupe will be allowed a maximum of 15 minutes at every road intersection for a performance and preparation. The police have not imposed a limit on the number of performers but will ensure that time restrictions and decibel limits are followed.

High-intensity sound and lighting equipment are completely banned during the festival to prevent excessive noise and disruptive or potentially harmful lighting. The use of equipment like high-volume bells, plasma lights, pressure-mid sound systems, and high-intensity laser lights is restricted. As of now, the police have registered 21 offenses for noise pollution violation in Pune and 50 in Pimpri-Chinchwad, totaling 71 cases.