UT-wide Crackdown on Noise Pollution; DCs, SSPs Asked to Enforce Rules Strictly – Alfaaz – The Words

Jammu: In order to curb the rising noise pollution across the Union Territory, the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has issued stringent directions to the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) of all 20 districts asking them to enforce the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 in letter and spirit.

The move follows a surge in complaints regarding the unchecked use of loudspeakers, DJ systems, public address instruments and high decibel sound equipment during public functions, private gatherings and commercial activities.

Under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the definition of “air pollutants” includes noise. Moreover, the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 have been notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate ambient noise levels in public places from various sources. The ambient air quality standards in respect of noise have been prescribed under these Rules.

In exercise of powers conferred by Sub Section (3) of Rule 3 and Sub Rule (3) of Rule 5, read with Clause (c) of Rule 2 of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and notified vide SO 30 dated 2nd February 2021, the Government has authorized the respective District Magistrates, Senior Superintendents of Police, officers not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police and officers of concerned Local Bodies within their jurisdictions to ensure that existing noise levels do not exceed the ambient air quality standards for noise specified under the Rules.

Moreover, these authorities have been mandated to ensure that no audio system or public address system is let out or installed without being fitted with a sound limiter, whether in Government or non-Government functions across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, no sound system should be sold, purchased, supplied or used by any manufacturer, dealer, shopkeeper or any other agency that lets out public address systems without a sound limiter installed.

However, the Rules are reportedly not being enforced strictly by the concerned authorities for reasons best known to them, resulting in the filing of numerous complaints before the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee regarding blatant violations.

Complainants have pointed out that high noise levels are disrupting daily life and have become a public health concern, causing sleep disturbances, stress and other harmful effects, particularly in densely populated urban and semi-urban regions.

Taking cognizance of these complaints, the JKPCC has directed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure that no public address system or audio amplifier system is permitted to be operated by any individual, commercial establishment or organization in violation of the ambient air quality standards for noise prescribed under the Rules.

Similarly, all Senior Superintendents of Police have been directed to issue instructions to the Station House Officers to ensure maintenance of ambient noise standards within their respective jurisdictions. The Chief Executive Officers/Executive Officers of Municipal Councils and Committees have also been directed to take necessary action against establishments violating the Noise Pollution Rules under the relevant provisions of municipal laws.

The Executive Engineers of the Power Development Department have been instructed to disconnect the electricity supply of such establishments or premises that operate public address systems or audio amplifier systems in violation of the ambient noise standards, as and when intimated by the Deputy Commissioner, Senior Superintendent of Police or the Chief Executive Officers concerned.

Meanwhile, the Regional Directors of the Pollution Control Committee will depute teams for monitoring ambient noise levels on receipt of complaints and will convey the monitoring results to the concerned Deputy Commissioner for necessary action, stated the communication addressed to all Deputy Commissioners by Vasu Yadav, Chairman of J&K Pollution Control Committee.