Governments to permit 15 days relaxation for
loudspeaker use upto midnight in accordance with a
Notification of the Ministry of Environment and
Forests dated 22nd November 2002.
The Notification states:
“Not withstanding any thing contained in sub-rule (2).
the State Government may subject to such terms and
conditions as are necessary to reduce noise pollution
permit use of loud speakers or public address systems
during night hours (between 10.00 p.m. to
12.00.midnight) on or during any cultural or religious
festive occasion of a limited duration not exceeding
fifteen days in all during a calendar year.”
Since the loudspeakers can be used only in a manner
necessary to reduce noise pollution, it would still
not be permissible to use conventional loudspeakers
which ‘throw’ sound to long distances.
Rule 3 of the Noise Pollution Rules, which specify
maximum permissible noise limits in various zones, has
not been relaxed by this Notification, and would
continue to apply.
Distributed sound technology (small loudspeakers or
radios placed at regular intervals) could, however be
used. This technology was used at the Banganga
Festival and was effective for an audience of 3,000
persons. Use of this type of technology is the only
way in which the Order of the Supreme Court and the
Noise Rules would be complied with.
The amendment of 2002 was introduced without calling
for public suggestions of objections in 2002 during
the Navratri Festival. This amedment formed the basis
of our PIL writ petition in the Bombay High Court.
Regards,
Sumaira Abdulali
<sumairaabdulali@yahoo.com>