By Disha Gupta
The National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) western zonal bench in Pune has ordered the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Pune police to strictly follow noise control rules during this year’s Ganesh festival. The tribunal has also asked both authorities to submit a full compliance report by October 29.
This direction came after an application was filed by Pune-based audiologist Dr. Kalyani Mandke. Earlier, on August 30, 2024, the NGT had asked officials to carry out certain measures. These included real-time monitoring of noise levels at a minimum of three places near every Ganesh mandal.
The tribunal also told the MPCB and police to check the allowed loudspeaker capacity of each mandal. As per the 2024 guidelines, digital boards should also be installed at key points during idol immersion processions to display the current noise levels.
On Monday, the bench, consisting of expert member Dr. Vijay Kulkarni and Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh, reviewed the steps taken so far by the authorities. They underlined that strict coordination between agencies is necessary to make sure noise rules are properly implemented.
According to Pune police officials, all Ganesh mandals have already been instructed to keep their loudspeakers within the limits set by the Maharashtra government and the Bombay High Court.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Sandeep Bhajibhakare informed the tribunal that every zonal DCP and police station has been told to restrict loudspeakers to a maximum of 100 watts. He added that a helpline (112) and a mobile number (8975283100) have been provided for citizens to register noise-related complaints.
The MPCB also told the NGT that it has set up noise monitoring stations across Pune with the help of 300 trained student volunteers. It further reported that in 2024, a total of 124 cases, and in 2025, six cases, were filed against mandals for breaking noise control laws under the Maharashtra Police Act, the Environment Protection Act, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules.