Pune Police Firm on Noise Limits; 100% Ban on Pressure Mid and Plasma in Ganpati Processions
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 27th August 2026: Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has said that the use of pressure mid and plasma sound systems will be completely prohibited during Ganesh festival celebrations, following concerns over high decibel levels. The police are also consulting Ganesh mandals and other stakeholders on permissible sound-system configurations and the number of dhol-tasha groups during immersion processions.
Kumar said festivals must be celebrated in accordance with the guidelines issued by the pollution control authorities. Testing conducted at the Pune Police Commissionerate found that plasma and pressure mid equipment can produce very high sound levels.
“There will be a 100 per cent ban on pressure mid and plasma,” Kumar said.
According to the police, Ganesh mandals have also discussed avoiding the use of plasma, pressure mid and laser equipment during the festivities.
Discussions on 4+4 and 6+6 sound systems
The police are currently holding discussions with Ganesh mandals over the number of bass and top speakers that can be used during immersion processions.
Mandals participating in the immersion procession have indicated that they will use no more than four bass and four top speakers (4+4), according to Kumar. However, discussions are continuing on whether six bass and six top speakers (6+6) should be permitted at stationary programmes held in open spaces.
“The police will take a decision only after discussions with all stakeholders. No individual, irrespective of whether they are a prominent person or a trader, can dictate the direction of the decision,” Kumar said.
Sound equipment seized at six locations
The police have also stepped up enforcement against violations of prescribed noise limits. During a procession held recently, plasma and pressure mid systems were reportedly used at six locations, following which the entire sound systems at those locations were seized.
Police conducted more than 1,000 noise-level tests on Wednesday. Sound levels exceeding the prescribed limits were detected at 148 locations, and action has been initiated against those responsible.
Complaints over dhol-tasha rehearsals
The police are also receiving several complaints regarding dhol-tasha practice sessions, with residents raising concerns about noise generated during rehearsals.
A decision on the number of dhol-tasha groups that will be permitted to participate in the Ganesh immersion procession is expected soon.
The police are holding discussions with around 180 to 190 Ganesh mandals that participate in the immersion procession through Laxmi Road.
Kumar said arrangements would be planned to ensure better crowd management on Laxmi Road and Tilak Road, while also allowing Ganesh mandals to move through the procession route smoothly.
The final decision on sound-system limits and procession arrangements will be taken after consultations with the concerned Ganesh mandals and other stakeholders.
