India, Sept. 2 -- Even as Pune prepares for its annual date with Lord Ganesh - the use of DJs, Dolby sound systems, and traditional musical instruments continuing to be a contentious issue - the longstanding dispute over noise pollution during its Ganeshotsav has now reached the national level.

Taking cognisance of a complaint filed on August 25 by Pune resident Sharad Kelkar against the use of high-powered sound systems, DJs and loudspeakers by public Ganesh mandals in violation of noise regulations, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to submit a detailed, action taken report (ATR) within two weeks on allegations of violation of prescribed noise limits during the festi...