Fight Noise Pollution

Noise can be defined as a non-harmonious or discordant group of sounds. It is not only a nuisance but a health hazard.

From physical ailments like total hearing impairments, cardiac and cardiovascular fluctuations, stress, fatigue, lack of concentration, nausea, headaches, insomnia, and loss of appetite, the hazardous effects of noise can even cause psychological disturbances and emotional distress . Some people conduct violently due to continuous exposure to harsh noise. Pregnant women exposed to high noise levels may be at risk.

Many a times, though the presence of noise is not felt, the harmful effects continue to rise in our systems.

Under Environmental Protection Act 1986 and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000, the following rules have been framed:

1. Noise is a pollutant
2. Maximum Decibel levels permitted as per Rules are as follows

Maximum Decibel levels

Silence Zone refers to upto 100 meters around hospitals, educational institutions, Courts etc. Loudspeakers, vehicular horns are not allowed in Silence Zone at all.

If noise around you is causing you to face problems then you must act with the Police, the Municipality, the Pollution Control Board and if necessary, the Courts to fight it.

But first and foremost you must make sure that you are not creating unnecessary noise through your actions, which might be affecting your neighbours and surroundings. Though it is not possible to have control over all sources of noise, you can check the noise levels emanating from your radio, TV, car, etc. and ensure that these are not creating problems. Also firecrackers that make noise should not be purchased.

No loudspeaker or public address system can be used without obtaining written permissions from the authorities for the same. The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 states that a loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used at night (between 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.) (Please note that the State Govt. is empowered to extend the 10.00 p.m. deadline to 12.00 a.m. for 10 days during the year) except in closed premises for communication within, e.g. auditoria, conference rooms, community halls and banquet halls. In case you witness violation to the mentioned rules or if the noise level in your neighbourhood exceeds the ambient noise standards by 10 dB(A) or more given in the corresponding columns against any area/zone due to film shows, late night parties, crackers etc, then you can do the following:

1. Call the police control room (100) as well as the nearest police station. You are not bound to give your name and address. Please keep an accurate record of your complaints. If you phone the police control room, ask for your complaint ‘ticket’ number.
2. Also get the name and designation of the officer who answers the phone, as well as the time and the date. If the concerned police officer refuses to act, the police commissioner will then be able to pull up his recalcitrant officers. Do make sure you mention all the relevant details in your complaint.
3. File a written complaint at the nearby police station with copy to Police Commissioner, preferably a group complaint. Please send a copy of your complaint to our address for our records.

Here is a sample complaint which you can choose to refer to whilst lodging an FIR.