Cops relax loudspeaker timings for festivals, but put volume cap
"These exemptions, however, are strictly conditional on compliance with the high court's noise pollution guidelines," said CP Ravinder Singal.
According to the high court's orders, permissible sound levels are capped at 55 decibels in residential areas and 50 decibels in silence zones, such as areas near hospitals, schools, colleges, and courts. The use of loudspeakers and musical instruments require prior permission and are generally allowed only between 6am and 10pm, except on exempted days.
During processions, organisers must comply with these limits, particularly in silence zones, and avoid using loudspeakers or raising slogans near religious places during prayer times, cops said.
Violators face fines, equipment seizure, and legal action under the Maharashtra Police Act and Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. The Bombay high court's January 2025 ruling, declaring loudspeakers non-essential to religious practices, has bolstered enforcement measures.
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The police have urged Ganesh Mandals to utilise sound-measuring apps to monitor decibel levels and avoid penalties, emphasising the need for responsible celebration to maintain public tranquillity.
The police stations, under zonal DCPs, have already started organising meetings with the Ganesh mandals to inform about the noise decibel guidelines, traffic norms, and other rules to be followed.
As the Ganeshotsav approaches, the Nagpur city police have intensified efforts to enforce noise pollution regulations, aligning with the high court's directives.
The police have mandated strict adherence to noise limits for loudspeakers and musical instruments.
Last year, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) processed 1,246 permission applications for Ganeshotsav, approving 917 and rejecting 329 due to non-compliance. This year, 305 Ganesh Mandals have applied for permissions so far.
The city police have also stepped-up anti-crime measures, especially preventive actions. Over the past fifteen days, preventive action was taken against 127 criminals to ensure law and order during the festive season.
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