Pune Ganeshotsav: Police Set 4+4 Speaker Limit, Ban Laser Lights at Mandals
Pune, 4th September 2026: Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has directed Ganesh and Dahi Handi mandals to strictly adhere to the prescribed noise limits during the upcoming festivities. He said mandals should restrict their sound systems to four bass speakers and four top speakers, as using additional speakers could result in noise levels exceeding the permissible decibel limit.
Speaking at a coordination meeting with mandal representatives at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, Kumar said violations would attract legal action, although registering cases was not the police’s primary objective.
“Our priority is to coordinate with mandals and ensure that the festivals are celebrated peacefully,” he said.
The commissioner also said the use of pressure, mid, plasma and laser lights would not be permitted. Police officials have been instructed to visit mandals and discuss issues concerning traffic management, crowd control and women’s safety. They have also been asked to coordinate with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to address problems related to roads and street lighting.
Kumar said special arrangements would be made for crowd and traffic management during immersion processions on Laxmi Road, Tilak Road and around Alka Talkies, as a rise in footfall is expected in the peth areas due to the Metro.
He also urged mandals to avoid organising obscene programmes, refrain from posting provocative content on social media and prevent incidents of violence.
The commissioner further appealed to mandals to support the police’s anti-drug awareness campaign and help keep their respective areas free from drugs.
