The Asian Age: Mumbai: Sunday,
May 08, 2016.
While the
Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, have relaxed timelines
for high noise levels up to 12 am for 15 days in a year, a RTI query filed by
the Watchdog Foundation in two Andheri police stations has revealed that acting
agents of law have no knowledge of the same. Both MIDC and Andheri police
stations responded to the RTI query requesting details of relaxation granted
during religious functions and special occasions, saying that they weren’t
aware of the law.
In a bid to
control noise levels in public places owing to loudspeakers and other
mechanical devices, the government of India, in exercise of its powers
conferred under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, three years ago, had
relaxed the timelines for 15 days of the year. While supervision of noise
levels was supposed to be carried out by Maharashtra State Pollution Control
Board, the police commissioner and district magistrates were given prime
authority for implementation.
Watchdog
Foundation had filed a RTI at Andheri and MIDC police stations, seeking exact
information about the 15 days observed by them during the year for relaxing
noise pollution norms. Shockingly so, both police stations responded saying
they did not have any information on the same. Godfrey Pimenta from the NGO
said that relaxation from the said Rules was normally granted during religious
functions like Ganpati Visarjan, Garba/Dandia, New Year, Christmas midnight
mass and so on.
“It is
surprising that police stations which are supposed to be the implementing
bodies, have confirmed that they are not updated about any such norm in
existence. In that case, the basis on which permissions are given remains a
mystery,” he said.
Under Rule 5
of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, usage of
loudspeakers or public address systems and sound producing equipment is
restricted and written permission is required for using such equipment.
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