NGT: Noise pollution crime, need action

New Delhi, March 20

Noise pollution beyond prescribed norms is a serious punishable crime, the NGT has said and asked the police to map such hotspots as also put in place a surveillance mechanism for taking strict action against violators.

A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel directed the Police Commissioner to monitor the implementing officers so as to safeguard the right of citizens and e-mail the report on within a month.

The green panel said citizens have Constitutional right to peaceful environment and noise pollution beyond prescribed norms is serious punishable crime for which adequate preventive and remedial action is needed.

"There has to be a surveillance and monitoring mechanism, coordination with the educational institutions and resident welfare associations at regular intervals,” it added.

The NGT said it had an interaction with the officers concerned in an attempt to advise them on understanding their responsibility and accountability to law and their duty to society. 

It said taking action against only four persons for noise pollution or simply writing to Central Pollution Control Board hardly meets the expectations when there is large scale violation of law.  It said technical inputs can be taken by personal meeting with the CPCB and Delhi Pollution Control Committee. 

"Simply writing a letter to them is just avoiding the responsibility. Let the officers now do their duty, take remedial steps,” it said. —  PTI