Pune Ganeshotsav 2026: 158 Noise Complaints Filed Through Citizens’ Platform, 60 Reported 100 dB or More

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 26th September 2026: The first phase of the campaign against excessive noise during public celebrations has been successful, but complaints of loudspeakers exceeding permissible decibel limits persisted during Ganesh idol immersion processions, said Mukund Kirdat, coordinator of the Punekars Against Loudspeakers group.

According to data compiled through a complaint form developed by the group, 158 noise complaints were recorded from Pune city during the Ganeshotsav period. Of these, 60 complaints (38%) reported noise levels of 100 decibels (dB) or more. The group said its software-based system sent real-time complaint emails to the Pune Police Commissioner.

Kirdat said the campaign had brought together citizens concerned about noise pollution, with residents participating in protests without political flags. However, he alleged that the response to noise complaints on Anant Chaturdashi, September 25, was inadequate in several areas.

September 25 Accounted for 37% of Complaints

The complaint data showed that September 25, the final day of Ganesh idol immersion processions, accounted for 59 complaints, or around 37% of the total.

September 20 recorded 27 complaints, while 19 complaints were received on September 14, the first day of the festival. The remaining complaints were recorded on other days during the period.

Bajirao Road and the Natubaug Ganpati Mandal area emerged as a major hotspot, accounting for 18 complaints, or approximately 11% of the total. Other areas frequently mentioned included Kothrud (seven complaints), Hingne Khurd (five), and Dhankawadi, Koregaon Park and Ambegaon, with four complaints each.

The group said 91 complainants, accounting for 61% of the total, reported that they had also lodged complaints with the police through the 112 helpline or WhatsApp.

Kirdat said citizens were often reluctant to complain because they feared their identities could be disclosed. The group therefore developed an online complaint form to send real-time emails directly to the Police Commissioner.

Campaign Followed Protests and Appeals by Doctors

The campaign gained momentum after an incident involving Vidyanand Bapat, who was reportedly removed from a preparatory meeting for Pune’s Ganeshotsav and assaulted in September, according to the group’s account.

Kirdat said the incident prompted senior citizens and other residents to come together under the banner of Punekars Against Loudspeakers to oppose noise pollution and demand action.

The group organised a protest at Kalakar Katta in Deccan Gymkhana and a march at Swargate before submitting a memorandum to the Police Commissioner outlining its demands. Subsequently, citizens participated in a larger march from the Balgandharva/Jhansi Rani Chowk area to the Pune Municipal Corporation.

More than 35 doctors from Pune also appealed to citizens to oppose excessive noise because of its potential health effects, the group said.

Kirdat said noise limits were largely observed during parts of the festival, which brought relief to residents. He also referred to orders issued by the National Green Tribunal and the Bombay High Court concerning noise pollution, saying these would provide guidance for future enforcement.

Citizens Report Inconsistent Police Response

Despite police announcements publicising contact numbers of senior officers, the group received complaints that action on immersion day was inconsistent.

“According to the experiences shared by citizens, the noise level would sometimes come down briefly after a complaint, but in several cases, the problem was not resolved,” Kirdat said.

He alleged that the experience highlighted gaps in the enforcement of noise regulations during large public processions.

The complaint figures are based on submissions received through the group’s own platform and should not be interpreted as the total number of noise violations across Pune. The reported decibel readings also reflect information submitted by complainants.

Group Calls for Action Against Noise at All Public Events

Kirdat said the campaign would continue against excessive noise at public events and processions, irrespective of the religion, caste or political affiliation of the organisers.

He acknowledged that Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure and BJP leader Dheeraj Ghate had made statements opposing excessive noise, while maintaining that citizens needed to continue pursuing enforcement through the police and the courts.

The group also identified several issues that it believes contributed to inadequate enforcement during the immersion period. These included the lack of clearly marked silence zones, the use of metal cylinders to create noise, the use of high-powered sound systems described as “4 bass, 4 top” setups, and the alleged lack of effective action by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. It also called for greater transparency in the publication of daily enforcement data.

Group Seeks Long-Term Changes in Public Celebrations

Kirdat said Ganesh mandals had gradually accepted changes such as restrictions on thermocol, the collection of nirmalya (religious offerings), avoiding idol immersion directly in river waters and switching off loudspeakers at night.

He expressed hope that Ganesh mandals, as well as other religious and political organisations, would similarly adopt practices that reduce noise pollution.

“The success of this citizens’ movement is only the first phase. We hope the work of the Punekars Against Loudspeakers group towards a pollution-free Pune will provide direction for similar initiatives across Maharashtra,” Kirdat said.