Submit response on action taken on noise pollution during Ganesh festival: NGT to MPCB, Pune collector

On the application filed by Pune-based audiologist Kalyani Mandke, the National Green Tribunal on August 21 issued a direction to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and Pune district collector to submit a response within one week about action taken to keep noise pollution under control during the Ganesh festival. He sought the respondents to implement control and monitoring measures to mitigate noise pollution, implement Central Pollution Control Board norms, direct collector not to issue permission for over one pair of loudspeaker system per Ganesh Mandal/Ganesh devotee group and follow the Noise Rules, 2000. The authority should also direct Pune Municipal Corporation to cancel licence for temporary erection of pandals to Ganesh Mandals found to be in violation of the Noise Rules, 2000, direct Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to release noise monitoring data compiled during the festival from 2021 to 2023. Ahead of Ganesh festival beginning September 7, the case holds significance as authorities have received many complaints about noise pollution caused by Dhol-Tasha groups and DJs.