Pune: The first two days of the Ganesh Festival in Pune have revealed alarming levels of noise pollution, with sound levels exceeding permissible limits across the city.

Data collected by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) shows that noise levels at nearly 200 Ganesh pandals consistently surpassed the maximum allowed decibel levels.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had previously directed authorities to monitor and control noise pollution during the festival, resulting in heightened vigilance this year.

The MPCB, with the assistance of a private organization and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, is measuring sound levels between 6 PM and midnight each day of the festival.

According to regulations, the maximum permissible noise levels are 75 decibels during the day and 70 decibels at night. However, noise levels in Pune have been consistently recorded between 75 and 85 decibels during the festival period.

Dr. Kalyani Mandke had earlier filed a petition with the tribunal, citing concerns over increasing noise pollution during the Ganesh Festival. The petition named key agencies, including the state government, Pune district collector, MPCB, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pune police, calling for stronger enforcement of noise control measures.

In response, the NGT imposed a ban on the use of loudspeakers with more than 100-watt capacity and limited dhol-tasha groups to no more than 30 performers.

Despite these directives, excessive noise levels continue to be a problem. MPCB is closely monitoring the situation and, when necessary, instructing the police to intervene and reduce noise at offending pandals.

The police have been charged with enforcing the restriction on dhol-tasha groups, ensuring compliance with festival guidelines. Jagannath Salunke, Regional Officer of MPCB, confirmed that action is being taken to curb violations.

Noise Levels Recorded:

• Industrial: Daytime 75 dB, Nighttime 70 dB

• Commercial: Daytime 65 dB, Nighttime 55 dB

• Residential: Daytime 55 dB, Nighttime 45 dB

• Silence Zone: Daytime 50 dB, Nighttime 40 dB