Pune Citizen Urges Police Commissioner to Launch ‘DJ-Free Pune’ Initiative, Curb Procession-Related Traffic Congestion
Pune, 25th August 2026: A Pune resident has urged Pune City Police Commissioner to take strict preventive measures against noise pollution, traffic congestion and other public disturbances caused by festival processions and loud musical performances across the city.
In a representation submitted on August 24, Ashok Keshav Mehendale, a resident of Mohammadwadi and former member of the Pune Municipal Corporation Education Board, appealed to the police to issue clear instructions to all police stations under their jurisdiction to ensure that festival celebrations do not violate prescribed noise limits or cause prolonged traffic disruption.
The representation highlights the period from Ashadh to Margashirsha, roughly June to December, when Pune witnesses several religious and cultural festivals.
According to Mehendale, while these festivals are traditionally celebrated peacefully, certain practices have increasingly created concerns over noise pollution, traffic congestion and tensions between communities.
Concerns over DJ, loudspeaker and Dhol-Tasha use
The representation raises concerns over the alleged arbitrary use of DJ systems and loudspeakers during religious and social events, particularly when noise levels exceed legally prescribed limits.
It also highlights the growing practice of extended Dhol-Tasha and Lezim rehearsals in residential areas ahead of Ganeshotsav. Mehendale said such rehearsals were traditionally conducted for a shorter period, generally around eight to ten days before the festival, and during limited evening hours.
He claimed that the number of performers and musical instruments has increased significantly in recent years, with some groups reportedly having dozens of Dhol and Tasha players. The representation also alleges that some groups use heavy iron mallets to produce louder sounds.
The petitioner questioned why rehearsals are permitted for prolonged periods in densely populated residential neighbourhoods and called for such activities to be conducted in suitable enclosed locations away from residential areas.
The representation further alleged that some organisers collect training fees from children participating in Dhol-Tasha groups and subsequently charge performance fees for appearances at events.
Processions and traffic congestion
The representation also focuses on the impact of large festival processions on Pune’s traffic.
Mehendale said prolonged road closures and congestion during processions cause inconvenience to commuters and result in the loss of time, fuel and money. He also raised concerns about emergency situations, particularly the movement of ambulances and critically ill patients caught in traffic jams.
The representation further points to the impact of high-decibel music and drums on elderly citizens, patients, newborns and young children.
Appeal for ‘DJ-Free Pune’
Calling for uniform enforcement irrespective of religion or festival, Mehendale urged the police and Pune Municipal Corporation to prevent activities that cause excessive noise, air or water pollution or unnecessary traffic congestion.
He cited the reported ‘DJ-Free Solapur’ campaign as an example and appealed for a similar ‘DJ-Free Pune’ initiative with citizen participation.
The representation states that citizens are willing to cooperate with the police in conducting awareness meetings on noise pollution and responsible festival celebrations.
Mehendale has requested the Pune Police Commissioner to take a firm stand on noise pollution, ensure proper planning of festival processions to minimise traffic disruption, and issue appropriate directions to all police stations in Pune City.
The representation was also endorsed by Raj Singh, President of Kartavyadharma Pratishthan, Pune.
