High Court: Enforce noise pollution rules strictly

Patna: The Patna high court on Friday asked the state’s police to strictly implement the rules framed to control noise pollution, which, apart from other restrictions, stipulate a complete ban on the use of loudspeakers, amplifiers and firecrackers between 10pm and 6am.A single bench of Justice Rajiv Roy, while hearing a petition filed by one Surendra Prasad, ordered the Patna SSP to ensure that all SHOs in the district strictly enforce the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.The 2000 Rules also prescribe strict decibel limits for all sound systems, including vehicle horns, beyond which sound levels are considered harmful and can cause discomfort to the normal human eardrum.During the hearing, state govt counsel, Prashant Pratap, informed the court that noise pollution monitoring has been integrated with the emergency response support system (ERSS), enabling citizens to use the 112 emergency dialling service to lodge complaints related to noise pollution. “About 1,883 vehicles have been made operational round the clock and action will be taken immediately to control violations of noise regulations, especially during the prohibited night hours,” Pratap added.

Justice Roy appreciated the efforts of the state’s director general of police (DGP) in facilitating the 112 dialling service and observed that it has emerged as a primary tool for the public to register grievances against noise pollution in the Patna district.Senior advocate Ajay, who has been appointed amicus curiae (friend of the court) in the matter, pointed out that much more effort is required to tackle rampant noise pollution in several areas falling under Kadamkuan, Pirbhore, Rupaspur, Budha Colony and Gandhi Maidan police stations.Senior advocate Shivendra Kishore, appearing on behalf of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), drew the court’s attention to the “dust menace” caused by large-scale construction projects, particularly in the Danapur area. He submitted that notices have already been issued to several violators for failing to manage air and dust pollution in the state capital.The court directed the board to file a detailed report outlining the specific steps taken to mitigate air pollution in Patna. The matter will be taken up for further hearing on Feb 13.