Pimpri-Chinchwad police filed cases against office-bearers of 91 Ganesh mandals for allegedly causing sound pollution and using laser equipment during processions, while DJ equipment linked to 86 mandals was seized, according to a report by Loksatta – Pune.
The action covered the period from the arrival of Ganesh idols through the immersion processions. Police said some mandals continued using DJs and laser systems despite restrictions on sound levels and repeated appeals to conduct processions within the permitted limits.
The enforcement highlights the recurring challenge of regulating festival sound in a rapidly urbanising area where processions pass through residential neighbourhoods, student areas and mixed-use streets. The report said excessive DJ noise affects young children, elderly residents and students, while authorities are required to ensure that sound levels remain below prescribed limits in different areas.
Before the festival, police held meetings with Ganesh mandals and appealed to organisers not to cause sound pollution. According to the report, some organisers ignored those appeals. Police subsequently registered cases against mandals found violating the restrictions between Ganesh Chaturthi and Anant Chaturdashi.
The reported action was spread across two police circles. In Circle One, cases were registered in Nigdi, Pimpri, Sangvi, Sant Tukaram Nagar and Dapodi. The locations accounted for seven cases in Nigdi, two in Pimpri, 15 in Sangvi, one in Sant Tukaram Nagar and three in Dapodi, taking the circle’s reported total to 15 cases.
In Circle Two, 11 cases were reported in Bavdhan, 10 in Kalewadi, one in Hinjewadi and 22 in Wakad. The reported total for the circle was 44 cases, with Wakad recording the highest number among the locations listed in the report. The report did not provide a location-wise breakdown for all 91 cases.
The seizure of equipment from 86 mandals indicates that enforcement extended beyond warnings and appeals. However, the report did not specify the legal provisions used in the cases, the number of individuals named in each case, or the duration for which the equipment would remain in police custody.
Sound regulation during public celebrations requires coordination between police, municipal authorities, organisers and local residents. The reported cases show that prior meetings and public appeals did not prevent all violations, leading the police to take action during the festival period. Further official details on the cases and the disposal or release of the seized equipment were not included in the report.
