NGT Directs Pune Police, MPCB to Monitor Noise Pollution During Ganesh Festival
Pune, 25th August 2025: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Western Zone Bench in Pune, has directed the Pune Police and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to intensify monitoring and enforcement of noise pollution norms during this year’s Ganesh Festival.
The Tribunal was hearing an execution application filed by Dr. Kalyani Mandke against the State of Maharashtra and others regarding noise violations. During the hearing, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch), Dr. Sandeep Bhajibhakare, submitted a report stating that orders have been issued to restrict Ganesh Mandals to a maximum of 100-watt loudspeakers, with further reductions depending on location in consultation with the MPCB.
Additionally, the police have instructed mandals not to use metallic noise-making instruments like “Toll” and to ensure compliance with the Bombay High Court’s earlier directions on decibel limits. “So far, 124 cases were registered in 2024 and six cases in 2025 under the Noise Pollution Act, Environment Protection Act, and Maharashtra Police Act,” Bhajibhakare informed the Tribunal.
However, the NGT clarified that no restriction can be imposed on the number of dhol–taasha–zanj players in a troupe since the Supreme Court has stayed its earlier order limiting them to 30 members.
The MPCB, in its affidavit, informed the Bench that it has deployed 300 trained student volunteers to monitor noise levels across Pune, covering both pandals and traffic junctions. Real-time noise monitoring data will be displayed at festival sites with health warnings if limits are breached. MPCB has also committed to publishing a list of violators on its website for 90 days.
Dr. Vijay Kulkarni, Expert Member of the Bench, appreciated the proactive steps. “The measures taken and proposed by the MPCB and Police are commendable. We expect both agencies to work in tandem for strict implementation,” the order stated.
The Tribunal also directed the Commissioner of Police, Pune City, and the MPCB to submit a detailed action report within four weeks after the Ganesh Festival concludes. Citizens have been urged to lodge complaints about violations through the helpline number 112 or cell number 8975283100.
The matter will be heard again on October 29, 2025.
