Pune Noise Pollution: PIL Demands Stricter Rules

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court seeking more rigorous enforcement of noise pollution regulations in Pune. The petition highlights issues with the implementation of rules governing loudspeakers and high-decibel DJ systems, particularly during public events and festivals.

The Bombay High Court is scheduled to hear the PIL on October 5. The petitioner's counsel emphasized the need for effective and time-bound implementation of past judgments concerning noise pollution. They also pointed out that individuals reporting violations sometimes face physical violence, suggesting police should proactively address such issues.

The PIL is not limited to the current Ganpati festival but addresses all public events where noise limits are reportedly exceeded. It calls for the appointment of a third-party agency to independently monitor noise levels and ensure adherence to prescribed decibel limits. The petition references a 2016 High Court judgment that provided directions on preventing and controlling noise pollution across the state.

Concerns about public safety were raised following a recent incident where an activist in Pune was assaulted after protesting the use of loud DJ systems before the Ganeshotsav. This incident underscored the potential for disputes over noise levels to escalate into law-and-order problems, prompting the call for urgent court intervention.