Pune Residents Take to Streets Against DJ Noise; Demand Complete Ban on Loudspeakers

Shivajinagar, 6th September 2026: Raising slogans such as “A procession during elections is an obstruction for honest taxpayers”, “There must be a complete ban on DJs” and “Peace is our right”, a large number of Pune residents marched from Jangli Maharaj Road to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) building on Sunday, demanding restrictions on DJs and loudspeakers during festivals.

The protest was organised by the Loudspeaker-Virodhi Punekar Manch (Punekar Against Loudspeakers Forum), which has been campaigning for restrictions on high-volume sound systems during public and religious events.

Residents began gathering at the Jhansi Rani Laxmibai Chowk on Jangli Maharaj Road before the scheduled start of the march. Participants later marched towards the PMC headquarters, carrying placards and raising slogans against excessive noise pollution.

The protesters demanded that high-decibel DJs and loudspeakers be prohibited during programmes organised in the name of religious, political, caste-based and social icons, irrespective of the community or organisation conducting the event.

“Awaz bandh kar DJ, tula Punekaranchi shapath hai” (Stop the noise, DJ, you have Pune residents’ oath) was among the slogans raised during the protest.

The agitation followed an incident involving citizen activist Vidyanand Bapat, who had demanded a ban on DJs during Ganeshotsav to curb noise pollution. Bapat reportedly faced opposition during a civic meeting and was later assaulted while presenting his position. The organisers said Sunday’s protest was also intended to condemn the incident.

A memorandum was submitted to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Krushikesh Rawale and ACP Anuja Deshmane on behalf of the protesters by Mukund Kirdat, coordinator of the Loudspeaker-Virodhi Punekar Manch.

The memorandum called for preventive action against DJs before festivals and programmes begin, along with greater accountability from the authorities. The protesters demanded that the names and mobile numbers of responsible officials be made public, real-time noise-level data be uploaded on a website every day, and details of action taken against violations be published.

The protesters also sought compensation in cases where excessive noise causes physical or mental harm to citizens.

Kirdat questioned why restrictions on DJs could be implemented in Mumbai, Nagpur and Solapur but not in Pune. He warned that citizens would be forced to return to the streets if a decision was not taken on their demands within the coming week.

“Retreat is not an option without a ban on DJs and loudspeakers. If a DJ ban can be implemented in Solapur, Mumbai and Nagpur, why not in Pune? The police failed to control sound levels during the Dahi Handi celebrations. Although the Police Commissioner has permitted a setup of four bass units and four tops, we do not accept it. Such equipment can push decibel levels beyond permissible limits and violate laws intended to control noise pollution,” Kirdat said.

Cardiologist Dr Rahul Sawant said excessive sound from DJs and loudspeakers could have health implications.

“High-volume sound can cause problems affecting the ears and heart, while laser lights can affect the eyes. Loud DJ sound can increase heart rate and blood pressure and may aggravate health problems. Vidyanand Bapat has become the face of this campaign,” Sawant said.

The organisers described the protest as a non-political movement. They said members of various social organisations, groups and political parties participated while keeping their political affiliations aside.

Among those who participated were Mukund Kirdat, Suniti S. R., social activist Vishwambhar Choudhary, advocate Asim Sarode, Congress city president Deepti Choudhary, NCP (Sharad Pawar) city president Shrikant Patil, Satyendra Rathi, advocate Krunal Ghare, Chintamani Kango, Neeta Kelkar, Dr Simi Athavale, Dr Rahul Sawant, Sudarshan Jagdale, Umesh Khandare, Shrikant Bhise, Vikrant Patil, Ashok Mehendale, Ashish Gunjal, Kaustubh Khandekar, Sameer Barde, Milind Kelkar, Keerti, Vinod Pawar and Tushar Kasar, among others.

The organisers said a large citizen group has also been formed on social media under the banner of the Loudspeaker-Virodhi Punekar Manch to campaign against excessive DJ and loudspeaker noise in Pune.