SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 11: The Deoghar district administration has taken swift action following a directive from the Jharkhand High Court to enforce a complete ban on loudspeakers and sound amplifiers between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ravi Kumar has instructed all relevant enforcement agencies to take strict action against individuals or groups using sound amplifiers, fireworks, or DJs at high volume during late-night marriage parties or other functions.
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“City residents face serious inconvenience due to noise pollution late at night. Therefore, strict action must be taken if these rules are violated during marriage parties or any other events held during non-permissible hours,” stated the SDM in a notice.
The Jharkhand High Court, in an order issued on October 16, 2024, outlined six directives aimed at ensuring a complete ban on noise pollution during restricted hours.
Key High Court Directives
- Complete Ban on Loudspeakers: The use of loudspeakers, public address systems, and sound amplifiers is prohibited from 10 PM to 6 AM.
- Restrictions on Drums and Amplified Instruments: Except for emergencies, instruments like Dhol and Nagara or any sound amplifier cannot be played in public during these hours.
- Silence Zones: Areas within 100 meters of hospitals and nursing homes are designated as silence zones, where no musical instruments may be played at any volume.
- Noise Limits in Public Places: The sound level of loudspeakers or public address systems at public events must not exceed 10 dB(A).
- Noise Limits at Private Events: Even at private events, the noise level of loudspeakers or public address systems must not exceed 5 dB(A).
Additionally, the SDM has directed the officers-in-charge of all police stations to strictly and effectively enforce The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
