A large group 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 DJ systems and loudspeakers before the Ganeshotsav celebrations. Organised by the Loudspeaker-Virodhi Punekar Manch, the protest followed the alleged assault of activist Vidyanand Bapat after he raised the issue of DJ noise at a civic meeting.
Protesters carried placards and raised slogans including “Peace is our right” and “There must be a complete DJ ban”. They also questioned why restrictions could be imposed in Mumbai, Nagpur and Solapur but not in Pune. The demonstrators said noise levels during public celebrations, including the recent Dahi Handi festivities, had not been effectively controlled.
The protesters sought restrictions on loud DJ systems at religious, political and community events. Their demands included action against high-volume sound systems before festivals begin, publication of the names and mobile numbers of responsible officials, and daily disclosure of real-time noise-level data on an official website. They also sought public information about enforcement action and compensation for physical or psychological harm allegedly caused by excessive noise.
Mukund Kirdat, coordinator of the Loudspeaker-Virodhi Punekar Manch, submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner of Police Rawle and Additional Commissioner Anuja Deshmane on behalf of the protesters. Kirdat said the group would not withdraw its demand for a ban and warned that residents could return to the streets if no decision was taken within a week.
The protest came after Bapat faced opposition while presenting his position against DJ systems and loudspeakers at a Pune civic meeting. The report said he was subsequently assaulted. Organisers described the march as non-political, although members and representatives associated with social organisations and political parties also participated.
Several speakers raised concerns about the effects of loud sound and laser lights on residents. Cardiologist Dr Rahul Sawant, who participated in the campaign, said excessive sound could affect the ears and heart, while laser lights could affect eyesight. These claims were made during the protest and were not accompanied in the report by medical data or an official assessment.
Kirdat also objected to permission reportedly granted by the police commissioner for “four bass and four top” sound equipment during celebrations, arguing that such systems could raise decibel levels and violate noise-pollution rules. The report did not include a response from the Pune police commissioner, the municipal administration or organisers of the upcoming Ganeshotsav events.
The protesters’ immediate demand is for authorities to decide on restrictions before the festival period begins. The group said it would review the administration’s response over the coming week.
