Maharashtra festival noise regulation enforcement

Authorities in Maharashtra are implementing restrictions on loud sound systems and laser lights ahead of the Ganeshotsav festival to manage noise pollution and public safety.

In Nagpur, Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangare Patil issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The ban, effective from early September through November 1, targets modified vehicles with high-powered sound systems and the use of laser lights, which officials noted can cause eye injuries and driver distraction. Systems operating within permissible noise limits remain allowed.

At the state level, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for a return to traditional celebration methods, comparing the noise from modern DJ systems to the ‘sound of an earthquake.’ The Mumbai Police have also reiterated that strict noise level enforcement will continue in accordance with 2018 Bombay High Court directions and existing noise pollution rules.

In Pune, the debate has intensified following an assault on activist Vidyanand Bapat, who has been campaigning against noise pollution. This incident triggered protests by groups such as the Loudspeaker-Virodhi Punekar Manch, who are demanding a total ban on high-decibel systems. Government officials remain divided on the strategy; Minister of State for Public Health Meghna Bordikar has advocated for a statewide ban on DJs, citing personal tragedy, while other officials maintain that the focus should remain on the strict enforcement of existing Supreme Court and High Court regulations.