323 Ganesh mandals get notice for violating noise limit

Each mandal has been asked to submit an explanation within 15 days. Failure to respond may result in legal consequences, including further action under environmental and criminal laws.

PUNE: As many as 323 mandals across Pune city have received notices from the Pune city police for violating prescribed noise-level limits during the Ganesh festival this year. The action comes after authorities recorded multiple instances of mandals using sound systems beyond permissible decibel levels.

Pune, India - Sept. 6, 2022: A personnel checks the sound decibel at a Ganesh Pandal, Yerwada in Pune, India, on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. (Photo by Shankar Narayan/HT PHOTO)

According to officials, the notices have been issued under relevant provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules. Each mandal has been asked to submit an explanation within 15 days. Failure to respond may result in legal consequences, including further action under environmental and criminal laws.

Sandeep Bhajibhakre, deputy commissioner of police (special branch), said, “We have recorded noise level at various locations during the Ganesh festival and sent data for Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for further analysis. Based on this, we have issued notices to 323 mandals. “

The mandals have to reply within 15 days. Accordingly, further courses of action will be taken, he added.