Hundreds of residents marched to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) headquarters on Sunday, demanding a ban on high-decibel loudspeakers and DJs during public festivals and stricter enforcement of noise pollution rules.
The march, organised by the Loudspeaker-Virodhi Punekar Manch, began at Balgandharva Chowk and ended at the PMC headquarters in Shivajinagar. Police said around 350–400 people participated in the protest.
The demonstration was the third agitation in a week over excessive noise in the city. The first two protests were held on August 30.
Protesters Say Campaign Is Not Against Any Community
The protesters said their campaign was not directed against any particular festival or religious community but against excessive and unauthorised noise at public events.
They demanded that police, the PMC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) jointly inspect venues and sound systems before events begin and seize equipment that exceeds permissible noise limits.
The group also called for real-time decibel monitoring, greater transparency in enforcement and uniform application of noise regulations during religious, political and social events.
Medical practitioner Rahul Sawant, who participated in the march, said illegal and excessively loud sound systems should be banned across all types of public celebrations.
Protest Follows Assault on Noise Activist
The march came days after activist Vidyanand Bapat was allegedly assaulted while giving a television interview about noise pollution in Pune.
Bapat has been campaigning against loudspeakers and DJs, including during Ganeshotsav, which begins on September 14 this year. An FIR was registered and the alleged attacker was arrested.
Bapat did not participate in Sunday’s protest, saying the campaign should remain focused on the issue of noise pollution rather than become a movement in his support following the assault.
Residents Raise Health Concerns
Several protesters said excessive noise was affecting their daily lives, particularly during festivals.
Eighty-two-year-old Vidya Kelkar said the volume of DJs had increased significantly over the years.
“Because of this, proper sleep and rest have become impossible. What are we supposed to do?” she said.
Other residents said excessive noise particularly affects senior citizens, children and people with health conditions.
Police Say Action Being Taken
Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishikesh Rawale said the protesters had submitted a memorandum outlining their demands.
“We have received their memorandum of demands. Due legal action will be taken,” Rawale said.
He said police were following guidelines issued by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal and had registered cases over noise violations during Dahi Handi and Eid-e-Milad celebrations.
“Noise levels have been measured at various locations and the data is being compiled. Further legal action will be taken against those found violating prescribed norms,” Rawale said.
The protesters, however, called for preventive enforcement, arguing that authorities should inspect and regulate sound systems before violations occur rather than act only after complaints are received.
