Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: DJs allowed within sound limits, lasers banned in Maharashtra's Pune, says police

The Pune Rural Police in Maharashtra have imposed restrictions on sound and light systems during the upcoming Ganesh festival including a complete ban on laser beams and plasma lights during immersion processions across the districtThe police have also warned that DJs will be allowed only within prescribed sound limits and in accordance with existing regulationsPune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill said the ban on laser and plasma lights was imposed keeping public health and safety concerns in mind as well as to ensure compliance with Supreme Court directives on noise and light pollutionldquoStrict legal action will be taken against Ganesh mandals found violating the prescribed rulesrdquo Gill said at a press conference attended by Additional Superintendents of Police Shubham Kumar and Ganesh BiradarThe restrictions come as the Pune Rural Police prepare for a largescale celebration with more than 5000 public Ganesh mandals and nearly 17 lakh household Ganesh idols expected to be installed across the districtCoordination meetings with mandalsThe police said they have already held coordination meetings with representatives of around 150 prominent Ganesh mandalsSeveral issues that could affect devotees and immersion processions are expected to be taken up with the relevant civic and government departments These include damaged roads safe electricity supply water levels in rivers and streams and lowhanging tree branches along procession routesThe police said the aim is to resolve such issues before the festival and ensure that immersion processions take place safelyCCTV cameras to be mandatoryAs part of the security arrangements Ganesh mandals will be required to install CCTV cameras at their premisesAccording to the police surveillance will help protect devotees and assist law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order during the festivalSecurity arrangements are also being strengthened along major procession routes and at locations expected to witness large crowdsThe police have urged mandals to cooperate with the authorities and other government departments to ensure that processions are conducted safely and without disruptionDJs allowed within sound limitsWhile laser beams and plasma lights have been completely prohibited during Ganesh immersion processions DJs will be permitted only if they comply with prescribed sound limits and other applicable regulationsThe police said the restrictions are aimed at addressing concerns over excessive noise during festival processionsViolations of permissible noise levels will invite legal action against the organisers and mandals concerned officials warnedMandals urged to spread social awarenessThe Pune Rural Police have also encouraged Ganesh mandals to use the festival as a platform for social awarenessMandals have been asked to organise exhibitions and display posters carrying messages under the lsquoSay No to Drugsrsquo campaign They have also been encouraged to spread awareness about womens safety cybercrime and financial fraudThe police said they plan to increase public awareness and vigilance following incidents reported at Nasrapur and PimpalwadiCitizens will be encouraged to remain alert and immediately inform the police about suspicious activitiesFocus on peaceful celebrationsThe Pune Rural Police said their preparations are focused on ensuring that the Ganesh festival is celebrated peacefully while maintaining public safety controlling noise and light pollution and preventing lawandorder problemsPolice officials have appealed to Ganesh mandals devotees and citizens to cooperate with the authorities and strictly follow the rules throughout the festival