5 days ago
Parliamentary Panel To Review Pune Noise And Light Pollution
A parliamentary committee will study noise and bright-light pollution across India on September 9.
It will look at current rules and speak with experts.
The committee may suggest stronger actions if needed.
Medha Kulkarni said the biggest problem is that existing rules are not always followed.
In Pune, police have limited DJs and pressure horns during festivals.
Some festival organisers and political leaders disagree with these limits.
Residents worry that loud music and rehearsals can disturb patients, children and older people.
Kulkarni said festivals should be celebrated respectfully without making people leave their homes.
A parliamentary committee will review noise and light pollution nationwide at a September 9 meeting.
The committee will examine existing rules, consult technical experts and possibly recommend measures to the environment ministry.
Committee chairperson Medha Kulkarni said enforcement, rather than a lack of regulations, is the main problem.
Pune Police have restricted DJs and pressure horns amid concerns about festival noise and dhol-tasha rehearsals.
About 200 Ganesh mandals have agreed not to use DJs, while some leaders and activists oppose the restrictions.
- Who
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni, will conduct the review.
- What
- The committee will review noise and light pollution, existing norms and their implementation.
- Where
- The review concerns pollution across the country, while the immediate debate is in Pune.
- When
- The review is scheduled for September 9.
- Why
- The review aims to assess enforcement, consult experts and determine whether additional measures are needed to protect public health.
Support Restrictions
Oppose Restrictions
Festival sound limits
Support Restrictions
Residents and Medha Kulkarni support enforcing prescribed decibel limits because loud DJs and dhol-tasha rehearsals can disturb patients, children, senior citizens and other residents.
Oppose Restrictions
Some political leaders and Ganesh mandal activists have opposed Pune Police restrictions on DJ systems and pressure horns.
Role of enforcement
Support Restrictions
Kulkarni says clear court directives and noise norms already exist and should be implemented across all festivals, not only Ganeshotsav.
Oppose Restrictions
Opponents of the restrictions have challenged the limits, though the articles do not specify their detailed arguments.
Festival tradition
Support Restrictions
Kulkarni argues that excessive DJ noise, vulgar songs and disruptive behaviour do not reflect Ganeshotsav's original religious and social spirit.
Oppose Restrictions
Some mandal activists favor retaining festival sound systems, while around 200 mandals have agreed not to use DJs.
Key facts
- Review date
- September 9
- Reviewing body
- Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change
- Committee chairperson
- Medha Kulkarni, Rajya Sabha MP
- Main concern
- Implementation of existing noise-pollution rules
- Pune restrictions
- Police have restricted DJ systems and pressure horns
- Participating mandals
- Around 200 Ganesh mandals have agreed not to use DJs
- Potential outcome
- Recommendations to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, if required
Quotes
Medha Kulkarni
Chairperson of the parliamentary committee and Rajya Sabha member
“Ganeshotsav should not reach a stage where residents feel they have to leave their homes for 10 days. Everyone has the right to live in Pune. The festival should be celebrated in a deeply religious and dignified manner.”
freepressjournal.in
“There are clear court directives and norms on noise pollution. The major problem is their implementation.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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