Pune Noise Pollution Protest Called Off as Citizens’ Groups and Festival Mandals Reach Truce

A planned public awareness meeting (Janprabodhan Sabha) against festival noise pollution at Deccan’s Goodluck Chowk on Sunday, August 30, was called off after police denied permission for the gathering. The cancellation led to a direct sit-down between activist group Punekar Citizens’ Forum represented by Ashutosh Kawade, Sarang Mandke, and Saurabh Virkar and office-bearers from over 1,210 Ganeshotsav and Dahi Handi mandals, including Amit Palaskar, Swapnil Naik, Rushikesh Balgude, and others.

Following extensive discussions, both sides reached a joint resolution. Mandal representatives agreed to enforce a complete ban on pressure mid-speakers, plasma sound systems, and laser lights during festivals and immersion processions, acknowledging the severe health risks these cause to children, senior citizens, and medical patients.

To ensure long-term solutions, both groups proposed creating a joint coordination committee comprising citizens, mandal leaders, police, local administration, and the judiciary. The committee will design a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate safety and noise levels, which will run as a year-long pilot throughout 2027 to cover all major festivals and public events.

Additionally, both parties resolved to address online friction surrounding the dispute. They agreed to jointly file complaints with the Pune Police Commissioner against social media handles spreading divisive content or misinformation, choosing ongoing dialogue and civic collaboration over public confrontation. Stay tuned to know more about it and others only with us and if you have anything to share do comment below and share your thoughts. if you have anyting to share do comment below and share your thoughts.