The Hindu : National : Stick to directive on noise pollution curbs, rules Goa Bench

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Wednesday, Sep 07, 2005

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Stick to directive on noise pollution curbs, rules Goa Bench

Special Correspondent

No relaxation in implementation of rules will be allowed

PANAJI: The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court here has directed government departments to ensure that Supreme Court directives on enforcement of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 are effectively implemented.

A Division Bench comprising Justice R. M. Lodha and Justice N. A. Britto passed the order on Monday, disposing of a pending application by the Goa Foundation.

The non-governmental organisation complained that the police and other authorities were not enforcing the rules and that the State Government was implementing only the Madhya Pradesh Noise Pollution Act, which allowed relaxations not commensurate with Environment Ministry regulations. Referring to the apex court directives, the Bench ruled out any relaxation in implementation of the rules.

The issue assumes significance in view of the festival season beginning with Ganesh Chathurthi, which will witness nightly celebrations with loudspeakers and firecrackers. The tourism industry also relies on outdoor events marked by music and other entertainment at night.

The Environment Ministry Regulations, 2000, restrict the use of the public address system between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m, except in closed halls or convention rooms, and beating of drums or playing other instruments near a silence zone.

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