Pune: As Ganeshotsav approaches, residents have reiterated their demand for strict enforcement of noise regulations, urging authorities to ensure festival celebrations remain within prescribed decibel limits.
Residents Demand Regulation of Loudspeaker Volumes During Festivals
The Balewadi Welfare Forum, which represents local residents and housing societies, has formally requested police intervention to control loudspeaker volumes during the upcoming festival. This appeal highlights growing concerns about noise levels in the community. Similarly, residents in Dhayari have urged the administration to impose regulations on sound levels during Ganesh processions. They are advocating for ongoing dialogue with local mandals regarding this issue to ensure a more manageable sound environment during celebrations.
Police assured them that meetings had already been conducted with major Ganesh mandals regarding compliance with noise norms, according to the delegation. Vikas Kulkarni, who participated in both demonstrations, said citizens were not opposed to the festival itself but to excessive noise caused by powerful amplifiers and sound systems. Ashutosh Jadhav of Model Colony said reducing noise pollution required sustained cooperation between authorities, residents and Ganesh mandals. The administration must maintain regular dialogue with mandals,” he said.
A delegation of Balewadi Welfare Forum, comprising Ramesh Rokade, Daffedar Singh, Ashish Kotamkar, Vandana Chaudhary, Milind Joshirao, Balasaheb Dandawate and KN Peethambaram, met police officers to press for a peaceful Ganeshotsav in the Baner-Balewadi area. The demand comes amid growing public concern over high-decibel celebrations. Two protest marches have already been held in the city seeking adherence to stipulated sound limits. The residents have stressed that awareness and enforcement efforts must continue throughout the festival season. “Awareness cannot be a one-time exercise. Continuous efforts are needed to encourage mandals to use fewer speakers and keep sound levels under control.