Use of loudspeakers irks city residents, students

Ravneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 5

Noise pollution irks city residents as despite PPCB directions, loudspeakers continue to trouble students. Students preparing for exams are disturbed due to late-night DJs and early morning singing of hymns from religious places.

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has directed officials, including deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police (SSP), to take strict action against those violating the orders of the Supreme Court. The officials have been directed to ensure controlled noise from 10 pm to 6 am.

According to the Punjab Instruments (Control of Noises) Act, 1956, one cannot use loudspeakers from 10 am to 6 pm. During the morning and evening hours, noise level should not exceed the fixed limit.

The Act states that those flouting the rules “shall be liable to be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months or more with fine which may extend to Rs 1,000 or with both.”

But party-goers and religious priests in the city seem least concerned about the studies of students who have to appear for exams from February 17. Students have been complaining that continuous blaring of religious hymns from loudspeakers disrupts their studies.

A mother of two college-going students from Dhamo Majra in the city said: “Even after the orders issued by the government, loud noises from religious places and DJs continue to trouble residents. People who are not following the instructions should be punished as this is creating a severe problem for residents, especially students, sick and the elderly.”

Residents of Punjabi Bagh, Bhadson road, also complained about the similar problem.

Avinash, a resident of Punjabi Bagh, said: “The wedding season is problematic for us. People play loud music past midnight and the authorities are negligent enough to let the menace persist. My elder mother and school-going child are repeatedly disturbed due to loud DJs.”

Deputy Commissioner Kumar Amit said: “The administration wants to enforce the law with all seriousness. Whenever people find rules being exploited anywhere in the city, they should immediately contact the SHO. FIR will be registered against all those breaking the rules.”