New Delhi: In order to encourage residents against playing loud music and also to generate revenue, the South Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has decided to ask for a payment in advance for “noise pollution” if generated in functions organised in its parks and in open public spaces under its jurisdiction.
A proposal in this regard has been passed by the SDMC. As per the new rules approved by the House, anyone who is planning to use loudspeakers or DJ will have to deposit an additional amount of Rs 10,000 at the time of booking a park or community centre.
“The House has approved the proposal and decided to start taking the security deposit from now onwards. Although there are rules in place regarding noise pollution, a fee is just to create awareness and fear of law among the masses. The SDMC has received representations from RWAs and individual complaints regarding loud music being played above the prescribed limit, so we hope that this decision will help us in controlling the noise pollution,” said SDMC mayor Kamaljeet Sherawat.
The deposits made for noise pollution will be refunded but only after a police report saying that norms were not broken is presented to the corporation. The decision came after the Public Grievance Commission took up the matter last year with all the land owning agencies like the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the municipal bodies to introduce such a system of payment while granting the permission to the organisers.
“With the onset of the festive season, the SDMC primarily faces a huge rush with marriages and other public gatherings being organised in open spaces. Without the police’s ‘no negative report,’ the deposit will not be returned. In case there is any violation found, '5,000 will be deducted from the fee,” said a senior official.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently asked the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Delhi government to ensure that religious places strictly adhere to the guidelines on noise pollution.
