1. Pune Municipal Corporation

Ganesh Festival and Decibel Levels. Urgent Call to Address Escalating Noise Pollution During Festivities in Pune

 I am writing to you today with a deep concern that plagues our beloved city of Pune - the alarming increase in noise pollution during festivities. As a concerned resident of Pune, I am compelled to bring to your attention the pressing issue of rising noise pollution levels that have reached an average of 105 decibels this year during Ganesh festival 2023.

Pune, a city known for its cultural diversity, has a rich tradition of celebrating various festivals with great enthusiasm and fervour. However, this enthusiasm has, unfortunately, translated into an unmanageable increase in noise pollution over the past few years. This alarming rise in noise levels is not only detrimental to the health and well-being of Pune's residents but also poses a significant threat to the environment.

 The allowed levels of noise by the Indian law are 55db in the daytime and 45db in the night time. 

Unfortunately, Pune's average noise levels during festivities have far exceeded these recommended limits, causing severe health issues for our citizens, including stress, hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular problems.

The consequences of this rising noise pollution are especially concerning for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. It is imperative that we take immediate action to curb this escalating issue.

We acknowledge that festivals are an essential part of our cultural identity and bring people together. However, it is equally crucial to ensure that our celebrations do not come at the cost of our health and the environment. To address this critical concern, we urge the PMC to take the following steps:

Enforcement of Noise Pollution Regulations: We request that stricter noise pollution regulations be enforced during festive periods, with severe penalties for violators. This will act as a deterrent and help in reducing noise levels.

Promotion of Eco-friendly Celebrations: Encourage citizens to opt for eco-friendly and noise-conscious celebrations by promoting the use of noise-cancelling equipment and organising community-level awareness campaigns.

Public Awareness Programs: Launch educational programs to make residents aware of the harmful effects of noise pollution and the importance of responsible celebration.

Community Engagement: Engage with local communities, residents' associations, and event organisers to promote quieter and more responsible festivities.

Monitoring and Reporting: Establish a robust system for monitoring noise levels during festivals and promptly addressing complaints.

We believe that a collaborative effort between government authorities, civic organisations, and concerned citizens can make a significant impact in curbing the rising noise pollution levels in Pune. We request your immediate attention and action on this matter to ensure a quieter and healthier future for our city.

In conclusion, we look forward to your commitment to addressing this issue promptly and effectively. By taking decisive steps to mitigate noise pollution during festivities, we can preserve our cultural heritage while safeguarding the well-being of Pune's residents and the environment.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We eagerly await your response and stand ready to support any initiatives aimed at reducing noise pollution in Pune.