The Deputy Commissioner Noklak, P. Mono Khiamniungan issued an order on Strict Enforcement of the Scale of Violation of Noise Pollution. The Order was issued for public health and to maintain peace and tranquillity in the district.
The notification stated fines and penalties to be imposed for strict and immediate compliance by the general public, event organizers, institutions and businesses.
For use of loudspeakers and public address system, a written permission from the DC is mandatory for the use of Loudspeakers. The use of loudspeaker during night hours 10.00 PM to 6.00 AM (areas notified as silence zone by the state govt) is strictly prohibited. For violation - Rs 10.000 shall be imposed as fine with seizure of the equipment.
Regarding use of Diesel Generator (DG) Sets, it shall comply with the prescribed noise standards under the schedule to Noise Pollution (Registration and Control) Rules 2000. Penalty for violation Up to 62.5 KVA, Rs10,000 fine and sealing of the DG set; 62.5 to 1000 KVA, Rs 25,000 fine and sealing of the DG set; Above 1000 KVA, Rs 1,00,000 fine and sealing of the DG set.
For Construction Equipment, Sound Emitting Construction Equipment shall not be operated during night hours (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM) in residential areas or silent zones. Penalty for violation shall be Rs 50,000 fine and seizure/sealing of the equipment.
Firecrackers: Bursting of firecracker is strictly prohibited in Silence zone and during night hours. (10.00 PM to 6.00 AM). The prescribed time limit for bursting firecracker, as per the directions of the Supreme Court are: Diwali - 8.00 PM to 10.00 PM; Gurpurab - 4.00 AM to 5.00 AM and 9.00 PM to 10.00 PM; New Year & Christmas - 11.55 PM to 12.30 AM. Penalty for violators: Individual/Household. Rs 1000 to Rs 3000. Event organizers (marriages, rallies, religious events) Rs 10.000 to Rs 20.000. Banquet Hall/Open grounds - Rs 2.000 to Rs 1.00, 000 depending on the number of repeated offences, including sealing of premises where applicable.
Subsequent violation shall result in the 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 for maintaining strict vigil and immediately impose the penalties imposed.
(P Simon Lam, APRO Noklak)
