Pune: NGT Seeks Action Report on Noise Pollution Violations by Ganesh Mandals in Pune
Pune, 18th August 2025: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Pune Police and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to submit an action-taken report regarding violations of noise pollution norms during last year’s Ganesh festival in Pune.
In 2024, the NGT had instructed both agencies to monitor and record noise levels across the city during the festivities. Accordingly, the MPCB measured sound levels at 200 Ganesh mandals across central and suburban areas of Pune between September 7 and 16, 2024, from 6 PM to midnight daily. The findings revealed widespread violations, with noise levels ranging between 70 and 85 decibels, significantly higher than permissible limits.
Despite this, neither the police nor the MPCB published the list of offending mandals or disclosed details of legal action taken against them, as was expected post-festival.
The matter came before the tribunal following a petition filed by Dr. Kalyani Mandke, who argued that the authorities had failed to comply with NGT’s August 30, 2024, directives. Taking note, the tribunal issued notices to both the Pune Police and the MPCB, seeking details of enforcement measures undertaken last year.
The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for August 22, 2025.
