Ganeshotsav 2026: Bapat Sends Legal Notice to Pune Police, PMC and MPCB Over Noise Pollution
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 12th September 2026: A Pune citizen, Vidyanand Bapat who has been raising voice loud noise, issued a legal notice to senior police and civic authorities, including the Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP), Pune Police Commissioner, Pune Municipal Commissioner and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), seeking measures to control noise, air and waste pollution and prevent traffic obstruction during the upcoming Ganeshotsav.
The notice has been issued on behalf of Pune resident VIdyanand Suhas Bapat through advocate Asim Sarode and his legal team. It raises concerns over the alleged use of high-powered sound systems, DJs and laser shows, as well as traffic congestion caused by Ganesh mandaps erected on public roads.
According to the notice, copies have been sent to Maharashtra DGP Sadanand Date, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, the Pune Municipal Commissioner and the regional officer of the MPCB.
What does the legal notice seek?
Among its key demands, the notice calls for a ban on the use of high-powered amplifier systems, DJs and laser shows at open public places during the festival.
It also seeks strict implementation of orders issued by the Bombay High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) concerning noise pollution. The notice calls for restrictions on the use of dhol-tasha and other amplified or collective sound systems and enforcement of a 100-metre silence zone around hospitals, courts and schools.
The notice further asks the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to inspect Ganesh mandaps erected on public roads and take action against structures that obstruct pedestrians, ambulances or fire brigade vehicles. It also seeks the relocation of mandaps that cause such obstruction and legal action against alleged encroachments.
On environmental concerns, the notice calls for measures against air and solid-waste pollution during the festival. It seeks restrictions on the use of CO₂ confetti cannons, fireworks and plastic waste, besides installation of real-time decibel displays to monitor noise levels.
Speaking about the notice, advocate Asim Sarode said that noise pollution during Ganeshotsav should be addressed through collective efforts and that existing legal provisions and court orders should be enforced during festivals as well.
Sarode also said that authorities should take action during the festival itself and warned that further legal action could be initiated after Ganeshotsav if the concerns raised in the notice are not addressed.
The notice seeks a response from the authorities within three days, failing which the legal team has indicated that it may pursue further legal remedies.
The notice also raises concerns about the implementation of noise-control regulations in situations involving large crowds and calls for greater public awareness about the impact of noise pollution.
The authorities concerned are yet to publicly respond to the demands raised in the notice.
