In a bid to ensure environmental compliance and mitigate noise pollution during the upcoming Ganesh Festival, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is set to monitor noise levels at multiple locations across the state. For this purpose, the MPCB has partnered with a private firm to conduct noise monitoring activities at selected sites. In Pune, a total of 18 locations have been identified for five days of noise level monitoring, while the initiative extends to encompass 132 locations across various districts in Maharashtra.
Notably, Pune ranks second in the list of locations with the highest number of monitoring sites, following Mumbai, where the MPCB has designated 25 locations for noise level surveillance. The selected dates for noise monitoring in Pune are September 19, 20, 22, 25, and 28, during which the monitoring will be conducted round the clock. The private firm conducting the assessments will adhere to the MPCB’s established norms, and once the reports are submitted, MPCB officials will take necessary actions based on the findings.
It’s important to highlight that the district collector has already made certain relaxations in noise regulations for a period of six days during the Ganesh Festival, permitting mandals (community groups) to use loudspeakers until midnight on these specified days. The most challenging day for noise monitoring is expected to be during the immersion procession, when Ganesh mandals across the cities commonly employ loudspeakers extensively.
