NGT directs Pune police, pollution control board to enforce noise regulation during Ganesh festival

It had also directed that the police department and the MPCB should determine the allowed capacity for loudspeakers for each Ganesh mandal. Additionally, they should install digital display systems at suitable locations to show real-time noise levels during the idol immersion procession, as per the 2024 order.

The NGT bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh, judicial member; and Dr Vijay Kulkarni, expert member, Monday took stock of the series of measures by the police and other agencies towards curbing noise pollution. In its order, the bench reiterated the need for coordinated action to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of directives and rules to curb noise pollution.

Pune police authorities said they had directed all Ganesh mandals to restrict loudspeaker volume to within permitted limits as per the orders of the Bombay High Court and the Maharashtra government.

Sandeep Bhajibhakare, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch), who appeared before the NGT bench, said all zonal DCPs and police stations were instructed to cap loudspeakers at Ganesh mandals at 100 watts. He said the police have set up helpline number 112 and cell number 8975283100 to facilitate citizens’ complaints related to noise pollution.

The MPCB informed the NGT that it has set up monitoring stations in Pune with the help of 300 trained student volunteers. It has filed 124 cases in 2024 and six cases in 2025 against mandals for violating noise norms under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Act, 2000; Environment Protection Act, 1986; and Maharashtra Police Act, 1951.