Maharashtra noise pollution offences trebled in two years, DGP office says
The state police informed the National Green Tribunal that 689 noise offences were recorded until September this year.
The office of the director general of police (DGP) informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that noise pollution offences in Maharashtra nearly trebled in two years. According to The Times of India, offences increased from 247 in 2024 to 328 in 2025, reaching 689 by September this year.
In an affidavit filed on Tuesday, the DGP office stated that violations include unauthorised loudspeakers and those with valid permissions that flout prescribed noise limits. The affidavit noted that action will be taken under the Maharashtra Police Act against loudspeakers that violate regulations, regardless of whether they are installed illegally or with permission.
The DGP office said local police stations were directed in a July 2025 circular to measure noise levels and submit monthly violation reports to the special inspector general of police (law and order) and regional officers of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).
Instructions were also issued last month to all police commissioners and superintendents of police to implement a Bombay high court direction. On September 22, the high court directed a complete ban on bursting firecrackers on streets and roads during festivities to prevent air and noise pollution.
The affidavit was filed following a petition by Pune-based audiologist and noise pollution activist Kalyani Mandke regarding loudspeaker violations. Mandke said the matter, originally scheduled for hearing on Thursday, has been adjourned to January.
Mandke noted that noise pollution is a year-round issue rather than one restricted to festivals. She welcomed the police disclosure of offence figures, stating that people had been complaining for years without adequate enforcement or access to data.
