Pune cops file 75 cases of noise pollution during immersion

As many as 75 cases of violation of noise pollution norms by playing high decibel sound appliances during Ganpati immersion processions held Sunday in Pune have come to light despite the High Court ban on playing hi-tech sound systems, a police officer said Monday.

The Bombay High Court had refused to lift the ban imposed by the Maharashtra government on the use of hi-tech sound-amplifying systems such as DJ and Dolby sound during Ganpati immersion.

"Total 75 cases have been reported in which Ganesh mandals and DJ (Disc Jockey) operators violated the HC orders and played the high decibel sound appliances thus creating noise pollution," said Shirish Sardeshpande, DCP (crime).

He said all these mandals violated the rules under Environmental Protection Act, 1986 and Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

"We have formed a special team which will be taking action against these mandals," he added.

He also said that during the immersion processions held Sunday, the police seized over 57 DJ mixers, nine sound appliances and arrested 12 people so far.

Police said the entire immersion procession lasted for 26 hours.

Sardeshpande said eight people were arrested on charge of stealing mobile phones during the procession.

"We have recovered 70 mobile phone handsets from these people," he said.