THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:The government has issued an order for strict implementation of the Supreme Court and Human Rights Commission orders on regulating and checking sound pollution from loudspeakers, horns and noise pollution in various public places. According to the GO issued by Environment Secretary P Mara Pandian on April 28, the use of loudspeakers in places of worship should be regulated and it also directed to ensure that the noise is under permissible limits, within the premises of places of worship.
The Home Department would initiate steps to enforce the norms in this regard in case of using loudspeakers violating the norms. The police officials empowered to act in such cases would be asked to respond in an efficient manner.
The Pollution Control Board (PCB) and other departments concerned have been asked to provide the equipment required at police stations for measuring the intensity of noise pollution.
The Local Self-Government (LSG) Department will have to install sign boards bearing symbols mentioning various sound zones. In case of necessity, LSGs can use sponsors to install such boards notifying the sound zones. The officials of police and LSG Department have been asked to ensure that noise pollution does not cross the permissible limits near the zones. The PCB has been asked to prepare pamphlets based on the directives of the Central Government regarding noise pollution which causes hearing impairment and other health hazards. The GO also suggests to introduce a piece of legislation to check noise pollution in the state.
The order has insisted the department concerned to submit an action taken report. In the Government Order, it has been pointed out that the police officials empowered to act against noise pollution in public places should be earnest in their efforts.
It was also pointed out that the State Human Rights Commission had also issued orders in this regard in 2011. The director, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, had also issued orders in this regard in 2012.
According to an expert report made available by Centre, 63 million people have been suffering from hearing impairment. The noise pollution from industries, construction sectors, road-rail-air traffic and noise pollution from home appliances have been causing severe damage to the hearing capacity of people. The HC order was also cited to emphasise need for checking noise pollution during festivals.