Pune’s Dahi Handi Celebrations Marred by Violations of Noise and Light Restrictions

Pune, 29th August 2024: Despite clear restrictions imposed by local authorities, Dahi Handi celebrations across Pune on Tuesday featured blinding laser beams and deafening music, with several mandals blatantly disregarding the rules. The Pune city police had specifically banned the use of laser lights this year after complaints last year indicated that such lights had caused eye damage. Additionally, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had set permissible decibel limits to curb noise pollution. However, citizens reported widespread violations during the festivities.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) G Shreedhar confirmed that legal action had been taken against several groups. “We have registered cases against three Dahi Handi mandals in Hadapsar and one in Sahakarnagar for disobeying public orders by using laser lights and playing loud music, as per Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” Shreedhar said.

On various streets throughout the city, multiple mandals were observed flouting the noise restrictions and ignoring the ban on powerful laser beams. Some mandaps even displayed the names of politicians and business sponsors, raising concerns about the influence of powerful individuals in these events.

Punit Balan, a Pune-based entrepreneur known for supporting Ganesh mandals, emphasized his adherence to the rules. “During Tuesday’s unified Dahi Handi celebration, we made sure no laser beams or high-powered lights were used, in line with the police ban. While we support these mandals, our condition is that they refrain from using DJ music or laser beams,” Balan stated.

He further urged authorities to take action against any mandals found violating these regulations, especially as Ganesh Chaturthi approaches. “Police should be strict in enforcing the ban on laser beams and loud music. These lights are dangerous and can cause serious eye damage,” he added.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), however, admitted that they failed to monitor noise levels during the Dahi Handi celebrations due to a shortage of staff. “We couldn’t measure the sound levels this year, but it was clear that they were excessively high,” said Jagannath H Salunkhe, MPCB’s regional officer in Pune.

Salunkhe acknowledged the need for stricter enforcement of noise pollution guidelines, especially with the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival. “We are intensifying our awareness campaigns across the Pune Metropolitan Region and will implement more effective monitoring during Ganeshotsav to ensure compliance with noise regulations,” he said.

According to MPCB regulations, ambient noise levels in residential areas should not exceed 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. In silence zones, the limits are even lower—50 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night. In commercial areas, the permissible levels are 65 decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night.

A 2023 study by the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP), revealed that noise levels in some parts of the city had reached alarming levels, with Narayan Peth recording 110 decibels, far exceeding the legal limits. This highlights the ongoing challenge of managing noise pollution during festive events in Pune.