NGT Imposes Strict Noise Regulations for Upcoming Ganeshotsav in Pune

Pune, 31st August 2024: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued new guidelines for Ganesh Mandals, mandating that noise levels be displayed on digital boards at two prominent locations during the Ganeshotsav festivities. The boards must also include a statutory warning that noise pollution is harmful to health, and real-time monitoring of noise levels should be conducted at major intersections during immersion processions.

On Friday, 30th August, the NGT implemented these rules to curb noise pollution during the upcoming Ganeshotsav. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the police are tasked with enforcing these regulations.

The verdict was delivered by NGT’s judicial member Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Dr. Vijay Kulkarni. These new rules were established while disposing of a petition filed by Advocate Maitreya Ghorpade and Audiologist Dr. Kalyani Mandke, in response to violations of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules during past Ganeshotsav celebrations.

The order stipulates that the pollution control board and the police should collaborate to potentially allow Ganesh Mandals to use sound systems with a maximum capacity of 100 watts. The police, in consultation with the MPCB, will have the authority to adjust noise limits based on the location and size of the pandals.

Additionally, the police are instructed to ensure that the number of members in Dhol-Tasha troupes does not exceed thirty during the immersion processions. A notice will be issued by the police department prohibiting the use of tolls and DJs during these processions, with violators facing punitive action. In case of violations of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, the police will enforce criminal law.

The order further requires that within seven days after Anant Chaturdashi, the MPCB must publish the names of individuals or groups found violating the Noise Pollution Rules during the festival in two local newspapers, and also post the details on their website. Prior to Ganeshotsav, the MPCB is also directed to widely publicize the notice and the harmful effects of noise pollution.