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.
