MPCB, Pune Police Struggle to Enforce NGT Noise Limits during this Ganpati Festival
Reported by Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 10th September 2024: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Western Bench in Pune recently issued directives to the Pune Police and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to control and monitor noise levels during this year’s Ganpati festival, in compliance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
In response to the NGT order, the MPCB has taken swift action by establishing a comprehensive noise monitoring system at over 200 locations in Pune within just six days. These noise levels will be closely monitored with the assistance of the Pune Police, with direct responsibility assigned to Zonal-level DCPs.
As per the Noise Pollution Control Rules in Maharashtra, noise levels in commercial areas should not exceed 65 decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night. Pune, being a hub of the Ganpati festival, also hosts numerous pandals in residential areas, where the noise level is capped at 55 decibels.
However, a fact check was conducted by Punekar News along with MPCB official Kartikeya and environmental expert Adv. Goray revealed that even in typically peaceful office environments, noise levels often exceed 45 decibels. On routine roadsides, noise can easily surpass 70 decibels, while near pandals with minimal music, it reaches 80 decibels.
Practically, these findings indicate that complying with the NGT’s noise limits during the festival may prove challenging. Citizens are now calling for a reassessment of the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000, arguing that the current limits are difficult to meet in modern urban environments. During Ganpati processions and the final Visarjan, noise levels are expected to exceed 100 decibels, making it nearly impossible to adhere to the prescribed limits.
There is a growing consensus that it may be time for the government and the NGT to revisit and amend the noise pollution regulations, taking into account the evolving nature of urban areas and festive celebrations. This would allow citizens to practically comply with the rules and ensure that they do not remain just on paper.
