Noklak, July 24 (MExN): The Noklak district administration has ordered strict enforcement of noise pollution regulations, prescribing fines of up to Rs 1 lakh, seizure of equipment and sealing of premises for violations.
In an order, Deputy Commissioner P Mono Khiamniungan said the measures have been introduced to protect public health and maintain peace and tranquillity in the district. The order applies to the general public, event organisers, institutions and businesses.
Under the directive, prior written permission from the Deputy Commissioner is mandatory for the use of loudspeakers and public address systems. The use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am, including in notified silence zones, is prohibited. Violators will face a fine of Rs 10,000 and seizure of the equipment.
The order also mandates that diesel generator (DG) sets comply with the prescribed standards under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. Violations will attract a fine of Rs 10,000 and sealing of DG sets up to 62.5 KVA, Rs 25,000 and sealing for sets between 62.5 and 1,000 KVA, and Rs 1 lakh and sealing for sets above 1,000 KVA.
Sound-emitting construction equipment will not be allowed to operate between 10 pm and 6 am in residential areas and silence zones. Violators will be fined Rs 50,000, and the equipment will be seized or sealed.
The order also prohibits bursting of firecrackers in silence zones and between 10 pm and 6 am. It reiterates the time limits prescribed by the Supreme Court for permitted use of firecrackers—8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali, 4 am to 5 am and 9 pm to 10 pm on Gurpurab, and 11.55 pm to 12.30 am on Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Penalties for firecracker violations range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 for individuals and households, Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 for organisers of marriages, rallies and religious events, and Rs 2,000 to Rs 1 lakh for banquet halls and open grounds, depending on the number of repeat offences. The order also provides for sealing of premises where applicable.
It states that repeated violations will result in permanent withdrawal of permission to operate the equipment or premises, in addition to any other action permissible under law.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the police and all designated law enforcement authorities to maintain strict vigil and immediately enforce the prescribed penalties against violators.
