Pune's Ganeshotsav: Quieter Start Amidst Noise Debates

Pune's Ganeshotsav commenced with a more subdued atmosphere this year, following intense public discourse on noise pollution. Officials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the Pune police monitored noise levels, noting that while some mandals exceeded the 65dB threshold, the overall readings were lower than the previous year. Ambient noise, including traffic, contributed significantly to these levels. Traditional dhol-tasha ensembles were predominantly featured during the initial processions, a shift from the prevalent use of artificial sound systems.

Advocates for noise control suggest that sustained awareness campaigns, legal interventions, and public engagement over several years may be altering societal attitudes. These efforts appear to be prompting organizers to voluntarily reduce sound volumes. However, some critics argue that dhol-tasha performances themselves can generate high noise levels, especially when multiple groups play concurrently in densely populated areas. The ultimate impact on noise reduction is anticipated to be clearer during the visarjan ceremonies on Ananta Chaturdashi.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently reaffirmed the importance of adhering to noise control norms in silent zones, directing police to strictly enforce these regulations. MPCB utilizes college students as field agents to collect noise data from various mandals across the city, a process that continues throughout the 12-day festival. Civil society organizations have observed a slight decrease in noise, attributing it to increased public awareness, though they caution that the festival's peak noise days are yet to come.

A notable trend is the growing sponsorship of mandals that opt for traditional instruments over DJ systems, a shift influenced by influential sponsors who have pledged to withdraw support from mandals employing artificial sound. This has led to a significant increase in the number of mandals engaging dhol-tasha troupes, contributing to a perceptible reduction in overall noise pollution.