Pune | September 9, 2026 — Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has warned Ganesh festival organisers that violations of prescribed noise-pollution limits will lead to legal action, as the city prepares for large crowds during the festival.
The commissioner said the police would strictly enforce the noise-pollution rules laid down by the Supreme Court. Organisations that exceed permitted sound levels will not be given leniency, he said, adding that action would be taken against those violating the rules.
Police officials have begun discussions with representatives of Ganesh mandals ahead of the festival. According to Kumar, the mandals have assured the police that they will follow the applicable regulations. The police are also preparing crowd-management arrangements to prevent inconvenience to devotees and ensure that the celebrations pass peacefully.
The commissioner said devotees from different parts of India and abroad are expected to visit Pune during Ganeshotsav. Managing the crowds and maintaining public order will therefore be a key responsibility for the police during the festival period.
The warning follows enforcement during the recent Dahi Handi celebrations. Kumar said police had registered 116 cases for exceeding permitted sound levels and failing to comply with police orders. Equipment including plasma sound systems and pressure horns was seized in those cases.
For Ganesh mandals, the police have permitted the use of four bass speakers and four top speakers, according to the commissioner. He urged organisers to comply with the conditions and warned that violations would result in police action.
The police commissioner also issued a separate directive concerning foreign nationals staying in Pune during the festival period. Owners and operators of starred hotels, private accommodation facilities and homestays must promptly provide police with information about foreign citizens staying at their premises. Failure to submit the information may lead to criminal cases, Kumar said.
The police have begun preparations for crowd management and festival security, with enforcement of sound regulations and compliance by accommodation providers forming part of the arrangements announced ahead of Ganeshotsav.
