In a bid to enforce noise pollution regulations during the Ganesh visarjan (immersion) festivities in Pune, the local police have taken stringent measures against Ganesh Mandals (community groups) found in violation of noise pollution norms. A total of 20 Ganesh Mandals have been booked for their alleged violations, with cases registered at various police stations across the city.
These actions come in response to a thorough assessment of noise levels conducted on September 28th, spanning different areas of the city. Subsequently, cases have been filed for noise pollution violations at police stations in several neighborhoods, including Faraskhana, Kothrud, Khadki, Warje-Malwadi, Sahkarnagar, Vimantal, Chandanagar, Uttamnagar, Hadapsar, Loni Kand, Loni Kalbhor, Wanawadi, Yerawada, and Kondhwa.
The special branch of the city police indicated that additional cases may be registered as more information regarding violations becomes available. During the visarjan procession, the College of Engineering Pune monitored noise levels along the procession routes and reported an average noise level of 105 decibels within the city.
The cases filed against the Ganesh Mandals encompass charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections 290 (public nuisance), 291 (continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue), 188 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant), and 283 (danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation). Additionally, the charges involve sections 7 and 15 of the Environment Protection Act, along with sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules.
Investigations into these cases are currently ongoing as authorities seek to address noise pollution violations and maintain a peaceful and orderly environment during religious festivities.
