Pune Police Warns Of FIRs For Noise Violations During Ganeshotsav

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has warned that organisers violating prescribed noise limits during the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival will face criminal cases and court proceedings.

Kumar addressed a meeting of Ganesh mandal representatives, police officials, and Pune Municipal Corporation authorities, where he stressed that the same sound regulations will be enforced uniformly across all festivals in the city.

He stated that organisers would have to follow the prescribed DJ setup of four bass units and four top speakers, and exceeding the permitted sound limits by deploying additional equipment would not be allowed.

Kumar noted that nearly 99 per cent of Ganesh mandals and their volunteers cooperate with the police and comply with court orders and festival-related regulations. However, those choosing to take a different approach would have to face legal action.

The police commissioner urged mandals to adopt a practical and inclusive approach instead of getting involved in disputes that could lead to criminal cases and lengthy court proceedings.

The meeting was held to review preparations for the upcoming Ganeshotsav, where mandal representatives raised several civic and logistical concerns, including potholes, traffic congestion, illegal parking, non-functional streetlights, inadequate public toilets, crowd management during processions, and permissions for sound systems.

Representatives demanded that potholes on major roads be repaired before the festival, more than 3,000 abandoned vehicles be removed, and non-functional streetlights restored. They also sought adequate toilet facilities for both men and women.

Organisers said special traffic arrangements were required on Tilak Road, where around 225 Ganesh mandals participate in processions. They also demanded special arrangements at Swargate Chowk, where processions converge from different directions.

Mandal representatives questioned the strict enforcement of sound restrictions on DJs, pointing out that traditional dhol-tasha performances involving thousands of drums can also result in high noise levels.

Kumar said the police would extend cooperation to Ganesh mandals wherever genuine difficulties arise, while expecting organisers to comply with the rules.

Referring to last year's immersion processions, he said efforts had been made to complete the processions of prominent Ganesh idols earlier, but the processions continued for around one-and-a-half to two hours beyond the expected schedule. However, effective crowd management prevented any major stampedes.

The police commissioner's warning and the meeting's discussions highlight the importance of maintaining law and order during the festival, while also ensuring the safety and convenience of participants and spectators.

The upcoming Ganeshotsav festival is a significant event in Pune, and the police department's efforts to enforce sound regulations and address civic concerns aim to make the celebration a success.

In conclusion, the Pune Police Commissioner's warning of FIRs for noise violations during Ganeshotsav serves as a reminder of the importance of complying with regulations and maintaining public order during festivals.