Pune Police Tighten Ganpati Visarjan Rules: 4 Top + 4 Bass Speakers, 120 Noise Monitoring Points

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 23rd September 2026: Pune Police will monitor noise levels from dhol-tasha groups during this year’s Ganesh immersion procession, measuring sound at 120 locations along the route, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said on Wednesday.

The move is part of stricter measures being implemented to control noise pollution during the immersion procession. While police have traditionally monitored loudspeakers and other sound systems, dhol-tasha groups will also be covered by the noise-level checks this year.

“Noise levels will be continuously monitored at 120 locations along the immersion procession route. If a dhol-tasha group is found exceeding the prescribed noise limit, legal action will be taken and a case will be registered,” Kumar said.

The issue of noise pollution during religious processions has been under scrutiny, including by the Bombay High Court, which has emphasised the need for scientific measurement of noise levels and action against violations in accordance with the law.

Police have asked Ganesh mandals, procession organisers and dhol-tasha groups to comply with the prescribed noise limits. As the immersion procession attracts large crowds, officials said controlling noise levels is an important part of maintaining public order during the event.

Four top and four bass speakers allowed
Ganesh mandals participating in the immersion procession will be permitted to use up to four ‘top’ speakers and four ‘bass’ speakers, according to the police.

“If a mandal is found using more speakers than the permitted limit, the entire sound system will be seized,” Kumar said.

Restrictions on the use of plasma speakers and mid-pressure speakers will also remain in force. Police will also strictly enforce the ban on the use of the ‘tol’ instrument by dhol-tasha groups.

Officials said violations will not be dealt with merely through warnings and that legal action may be taken depending on the circumstances.

No limit on number of dhol-tasha players
Police have not imposed a limit on the number of dhols, tashas or performers in a dhol-tasha group.

However, groups will be responsible for ensuring that their combined sound level remains within the prescribed decibel limit. This means larger groups can participate in the procession, but they will have to ensure that the overall noise generated does not exceed the permitted level.

21 cases registered during Ganeshotsav
Pune Police have so far registered 21 cases against Ganesh mandals for violations of prescribed noise levels during the Ganeshotsav period.