Pune, 12th September 2026: Vidyanand Bapat, who has been raising voice against DJ, has served a legal notice to senior police and civic authorities ahead of Ganeshotsav, seeking strict measures to control noise, air and waste pollution and prevent traffic obstruction during the festival.
The notice, issued through advocate Asim Sarode and his legal team, has been sent to Maharashtra Director General of Police Sadanand Date, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, the Pune Municipal Commissioner and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).
The notice raises concerns over the use of high-powered sound systems, DJs and laser shows at open public places during Ganeshotsav. It seeks restrictions on such activities and strict enforcement of existing noise-pollution regulations and court orders.
It also calls for controls on amplified and collective sound systems, including dhol-tasha performances, and enforcement of the 100-metre silence zone around hospitals, courts and schools. The notice further proposes real-time decibel displays at festival locations to help monitor noise levels.
Bapat has also raised concerns over Ganesh mandaps being erected on public roads and their impact on traffic and emergency services. The notice asks the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to inspect mandaps and take action wherever they obstruct:
Pedestrian movement
Ambulance access
Fire brigade vehicles
Traffic on public roads
It also seeks relocation of mandaps causing significant obstruction and legal action against alleged encroachments on public spaces.
The notice also calls for measures to reduce pollution during the festival. It seeks restrictions on CO2 confetti cannons, fireworks and plastic waste, along with stronger monitoring of environmental violations.
Bapat's legal team has stressed that pollution-control measures should be implemented during the festival rather than only after Ganeshotsav concludes.
Advocate Asim Sarode said noise pollution during Ganeshotsav should be addressed through collective efforts and that existing laws and court orders must be enforced during festivals.
He said authorities should take action while the festival is underway and indicated that further legal remedies could be pursued if the concerns raised in the notice are not addressed.
The notice has sought a response from the concerned authorities within three days. It also calls for greater public awareness about the impact of noise pollution, particularly during large gatherings.
The authorities concerned have not yet publicly responded to the demands raised in the legal notice.
