Pune | September 6, 2026
Hundreds of Pune residents marched from the Jhansi Rani Laxmibai Chowk on Jangli Maharaj Road to the Pune Municipal Corporation building on Sunday, demanding a ban on DJs and loudspeakers ahead of Ganeshotsav and stricter action against noise pollution.
The protest was organised by the Loudspeaker-Virodhi Punekar Manch after citizen activist Vaidyanand Bapat was allegedly assaulted while presenting his position against DJs during a civic meeting. Protesters raised slogans including “complete DJ ban” and “silence is our right”, and carried placards calling for restrictions on amplified sound during festivals and processions.
The protesters also criticised the police for failing to control sound levels during the recent Dahi Handi celebrations. They questioned why restrictions on DJs could be imposed in Mumbai, Nagpur and Solapur but not in Pune. The demonstration was described as non-political, although members and office-bearers associated with social organisations and political parties participated.
A memorandum was submitted to Deputy Commissioner of Police Ravale and Joint Commissioner Anuja Deshmane on behalf of the protesters. The demands included preventive action against DJs before festivals and programmes begin, publication of the names and mobile numbers of responsible officials, and daily publication of real-time noise data and enforcement information on an official website.
The memorandum also sought compensation for physical or mental harm allegedly caused by excessive sound. Protest coordinator Mukund Kirdat said the group would not withdraw its demand for a DJ and loudspeaker ban. He warned that residents would return to the streets if a decision was not taken within the coming week.
The protesters called for restrictions on loudspeakers used during all religious, political and community programmes, rather than limiting the demand to Ganeshotsav. They also objected to permission for equipment described as “four bass and four top” units, arguing that such systems can raise decibel levels and violate noise-pollution regulations. This claim was made by Kirdat on behalf of the protest group.
Cardiologist Dr Rahul Sawant, who participated in the campaign, said excessive sound and laser lighting could cause health problems, including increased heart rate, blood-pressure changes, hearing difficulties and eye-related complaints. These statements were made during the protest and were not accompanied in the report by an independent medical assessment or official enforcement data.
The mobilisation followed the formation of a large social-media group under the name Loudspeaker-Virodhi Punekar Manch. The march included citizens, activists, lawyers, doctors and representatives associated with several political parties. The protesters’ immediate demand is for the authorities to decide on preventive measures before the next round of festival-related events.
