Thane police have registered 69 cases against Ganesh festival committee office-bearers, DJ operators and people allegedly using firecrackers in violation of noise and air pollution controls during idol immersion, according to information released by the police.
The cases were registered between September 26 and 28 across police stations under the Thane Police Commissionerate, covering areas from Thane to Badlapur and Bhiwandi city. Police action followed alleged violations of directions issued by the Bombay High Court for festival celebrations and immersion processions.
The court had directed authorities to enforce restrictions on noise and air pollution during festivals. The directions included a ban on bursting firecrackers on roads and in open spaces, restrictions on the use of laser beams and high-lumen lights during processions, and measurement of the sound levels of permitted loudspeakers by police personnel.
The court had also directed that the orders be implemented on Anant Chaturdashi, the day traditionally associated with the largest phase of Ganesh idol immersions. The directions were issued two days before Anant Chaturdashi, leaving several festival committees uncertain about the enforcement requirements, according to the report.
During immersion processions on Friday, several large festival committees allegedly played music at high volume through loudspeakers. Drum groups also performed along the routes, while firecrackers were reportedly burst near immersion points and on procession roads. Police subsequently began registering cases against committee representatives, DJ owners and others connected with the alleged violations.
The action follows wider public discussion about noise pollution during festivals. The issue gained attention after Pune-based Vidyanand Bapat conducted public awareness efforts on festival-related noise pollution. The Bombay High Court later took cognisance of the issue and registered a suo motu public interest litigation concerning noise levels during religious and cultural celebrations.
The latest cases bring enforcement of festival pollution rules into focus across a densely urbanised region where immersion routes, public roads and residential areas overlap. The police action also places responsibility on multiple participants in a procession, including festival committees that organise events, sound-system operators and individuals who use firecrackers.
Police have not indicated in the supplied report what further action will be taken in each of the 69 cases. The next steps will depend on the offences recorded and the investigation conducted by the respective police stations.
