In view of reducing noise pollution, the Chhattisgarh High Court has directed the chief secretary to curb the use of pressure horns and the operation of two-wheelers without silencers.
The court further emphasized that strict action should be taken in accordance with the law against individuals who violate the prescribed norms. The court also instructed the chief secretary to file a detailed affidavit regarding the steps taken by the state machinery to address the menace caused by pressure horns and two-wheelers without silencers by the next hearing on November 20.
During a hearing of intervening applications filed by the Chhattisgarh nagrik sangharsh samiti, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Judge N. K. Chandravanshi noted that the court had issued various orders to control noise pollution across the state. However, these measures have not been implemented as intended, and the relevant authorities have shown a casual approach, despite their knowledge of the rules and regulations governing noise pollution arising from loudspeakers, pressure horns, musical horns, and sound amplifiers.
Another intervening application has been filed by counsel Vinay Pandey on behalf of DJ operator Ashish Dubey, in the court reading that action, which has been taken against the intervener, appears to be not taken by the competent authority.
The division bench remarked that despite the existence of rules and regulations to curb noise pollution, little has been done by the state machinery, particularly during the festive season.
The court took suo moto cognizance on September 29, 2023 of a news reports published in newspapers, which highlighted the hardship faced by senior citizens, the elderly, children and residents living in areas afflicted by numerous health issues due to noise pollution. The state machinery took action to control this menace, following the court’s intervention.
However, it was brought to the court’s attention through an intervening petition that instances of discomfort caused due to noise pollution persist for citizens when travelling on the road, as usage of pressure horns, and operation of motorcycles without silencers at high speed continues.
In compliance with the High Court’s order on September 29, the chief secretary submitted an affidavit indicating that a meeting was convened on October 4 with the DGP, all divisional commissioners, inspector generals of police, district magistrates, and all SPs of Chhattisgarh to discuss the steps taken to combat noise pollution.
