Pune: Noise pollution offences in Maharashtra nearly trebled in two years, increasing from 247 in 2024 to 328 in 2025 and 689 till Sept this year, the state police informed National Green Tribunal (NGT).
A circular was issued in this regard in July 2025. The high court in its Sept 22 order directed a complete ban on bursting firecrackers during festivities on streets and roads, asking authorities to take measures to prevent air and noise pollution. Therefore, it was decided that action needs to be taken under the Maharashtra Police Act against such loudspeakers, whether they are installed illegally or with permission but still violate the regulations,” the affidavit stated.
The affidavit said police had issued circulars laying down procedures for handling complaints and taking action against violators. The DGP’s office said local police stations had been directed to measure noise levels in their respective jurisdictions and submit monthly reports on violations to the special inspector general of police (law and order) and the regional officers of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) told the tribunal that the enforcement of noise pollution norms was the responsibility of police, MPCB and other state agencies concerned. It said it had sought enforcement-related data for the preceding three years from state pollution control boards across the country, but MPCB had not provided the required information by the time CPCB filed its affidavit. She said her original petition was restricted to noise pollution during festivals in Pune, but its scope widened after NGT took suo motu cognisance of the issue last year.
Even those operating with valid permissions flouted prescribed noise limits, it stated. “Noise pollution norms are being violated at times by both illegally installed loudspeakers and those installed with permits. The affidavit also stated that instructions had been issued to all police commissioners and superintendents of police (SPs) last month to strictly implement the Bombay high court’s direction on the use of firecrackers across Maharashtra.
In an affidavit filed on Tuesday in a case related to noise pollution, the office of the director general of police (DGP) admitted that violations were not restricted to unauthorised loudspeakers. Mandke said the matter, scheduled for hearing on Thursday, had been adjourned to Jan.