Pune, 2nd September 2026: The 'Speaker-Free Pune’ Action Committee has demanded strict action against loud DJs and loudspeakers used during public, religious and political events, along with action against pandals that block roads.
The committee submitted a memorandum to the Pune Police Commissioner on Tuesday, seeking stricter enforcement of noise pollution rules and action against organisers violating regulations.
The committee said loud music during festivals and public programs causes inconvenience to students, senior citizens and patients. Under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, the permissible limit is 55 decibels in residential areas during the day and 50 decibels in silence zones.
The committee said event permissions do not allow organisers to exceed prescribed noise limits. It urged the police and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to conduct on-site noise measurements and take action against organisers, DJs and sound-system operators who violate the rules. It also sought seizure of equipment in cases of violations.
The committee also objected to pandals being erected on roads, saying they contribute to traffic congestion and inconvenience for citizens.
Committee member Vidyanand Bapat said, “We are not against festivals or religious freedom. But creating excessive noise in public places and blocking roads cannot be considered part of religious freedom when it causes inconvenience to others.”
The committee suggested using alternative routes with lower traffic for processions instead of major roads to reduce congestion and noise pollution.
The committee also demanded a dedicated helpline or online platform for citizens to report noise pollution violations. It questioned why authorities take action against street vendors for encroachment but often overlook pandals occupying public roads.
Vikrant Patil, Rajesh Mangire, Umesh Kandhare, Ashok Mehendale and Ashish Gunjal were among those present at the press conference.
