Ahead of Dahi handi, Ganeshotsav and Navratri, the long-standing debate over noise pollution has intensified with the Pune police preparing to enforce existing norms more strictly even as political representatives and festival mandals oppose what they call excessive restrictions on loudspeakers and sound systems.
The exercise was intended to familiarise the police personnel with their functioning and technical capabilities, and help them enforce permissible noise limits effectively. “During the upcoming festival season, noise levels must be maintained within limits prescribed under the Noise Pollution Control Act. To ensure effective implementation, police personnel need to understand the functioning of various sound systems. They are particularly concerned about high-powered DJ systems and large speaker setups used during processions and other festivities. The police, meanwhile, have indicated that they are willing to consult stakeholders before finalising the enforcement mechanisms.
The Pune police have received nearly 14,000 noise pollution complaints in the past eight months, reflecting growing concerns over loudspeakers, DJs and high-decibel sound systems across the city. Therefore, a trial was conducted today.
We will study the system in detail and subsequently prepare guidelines for its implementation,” said deputy commissioner of police Prashant Amritkar. Police officials said that their objective is not to restrict religious or cultural celebrations but to prevent excessive noise and its impact on citizens. Pune is currently witnessing a ‘DJ frenzy’ with increasingly powerful sound systems being deployed during celebrations, making stricter enforcement necessary in the interest of public health and the environment, according to the police. Kumar told the delegation that the police understood the sentiments associated with festivals but could not ignore the health impact of excessive noise.
On Thursday, Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar and senior officers reviewed sound systems commonly used during festivals.
