‘Can we move out of our homes?’: Pune residents urge noise regulation as dhol-tasha groups gear up for Ganesh festival

“Playing dhol-tasha is a good cultural activity, but playing it loud for hours in the immediate vicinity of a residential area is affecting our health. People suffering from high blood pressure, some are cancer-survivors or have other ailments, cannot manage such high decibels and their health is adversely impacted, said Vihang Shah, a resident of Baner and founder of Green Clean Safe Bharat.

“Along with senior citizens, even youth are affected. They are studying in colleges or schools and preparing for exams. With continuous exposure to high-decibel noise from dhol-tasha pathaks, they cannot focus well and may suffer from hearing ailments in old age,” Shah added.

He emphasised that dhol-tasha groups are always welcome, but they need to practice in dedicated public spaces or auditoriums far from residential areas, as residents have limited choice to leave their homes.

Dhol-tasha is a traditional musical ensemble, particularly popular in Maharashtra. (Express Photo)

This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will be on August 27, initiating a 10-day festival that concludes with the immersion of idols, in a ritual known as Ganesh Visarjan.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr Kalyani Mandke, a practising audiologist based in Sadashiv Peth, said, “Not just elderly, pregnant women or children, but every age group suffers through the noise levels that exceed a certain limit, let it be through DJ, dhol-tasha or any other source. Such noise pollution disturbs adrenaline levels, and this causes increased stress, sleep disruption, and gradual hearing damage. Also, their consequences are affecting work output and productivity.”

Supreme Court stay on NGT order

In September 2024, a Supreme Court bench led by the then Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud stayed the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), West Zone, which included the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), along with police officials, to carry out real-time sound monitoring during the Ganesh festival. The directions stayed also included a limit of 30 members in each group of dhol, tasha and zanj pathak during Ganpati Visarjan.

“After the NGT order stay, it will now be even more difficult to keep a check on noise pollution. We now expect the authorities to keep a check on violations and take suo motu action. The dhol-tasha pathaks must also willingly take steps to limit their members in public interest,” said Rahul Jadhav, a resident of Wakad.

Moreover, Mandke urged that authorities must listen to their demands. “During a recent dhol-tasha-related meeting at PMC, the authorities didn’t even listen to our plea. Without hearing our grievances, how can they address them?” she said.

To restrict the noise level to breach the residential limits rule, several dhol-tasha groups in Pune, though, are adopting noise-dampening practices. “To respect the safe decibel range, particularly in residential areas, we use jute bags and nylon padding to cover the dhol. This significantly dampens the noise. We also practice alternatively in small batches so that noise can be controlled,” said Tejas Pathak from Shreeram dhol-tasha pathak.

Shubham Kurale is an intern with The Indian Express.