FIR registered against DJ, a first for noise pollution in Jalandhar

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 2

Amid appreciation of the Mumbai police for its initiative to stop reckless honking in which waiting time at traffic signals in Mumbai would restart automatically, if the honking sound of vehicles crosses 85 decibels, the city got its first FIR registered against violation of the noise pollution norms.

Adhering to the ‘Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, the Basti Bawa Khel police on Saturday registered an FIR against a DJ operator in Ratan Nagar. This is reportedly the first case that has been registered against any violator to warn residents about the Environmental Protection Act. The suspect identified as Binder Baba, is however on bail.

SHO of the police station, Inspector Kamaljit Singh said action was taken on the guidelines of the Deputy Commissioner that no loud music could be played in the city after 11 pm. The suspect was found playing music at a high volume in a residential area. ASI Resham Singh, who was on patrolling, arrested the suspect. He has been booked under Section 188 of the IPC.

Earlier, after a complaint was registered by a city resident, a private hotel near Workshop Chowk was asked to follow the noise pollution guidelines and refrain from playing loud music.

As per updated guidelines issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, all religious organisations, marriage palaces and other noise-producing sources are refrained from using loud speakers or any music system in public that would eventually troubles residents. In addition, owing to constant complaints by students, local police stations in-charges have also been directed to ensure that loud speakers are not allowed to operate three days prior to annual examinations of students. Besides, action must be taken against vehicle owners using pressure horns.

Highlighting the high court guidelines, Mandeep Singh, a member of “Mission 6213 team”, that is sensitising all religious organisations, marriage palaces, DJ operators and others to follow the timetable prescribed by the High Court, said: “ It was the much-needed action taken against the DJ operator and the administration should ensure that in residential areas, the noise produced should not cross 55 decibels (db) during the daytime and 45 db during night.

Offender booked under sec 188, IPC

SHO of the Basti Bawa Khel police station Inspector Kamaljit Singh said action was taken on the guidelines of the Deputy Commissioner that no loud music could be played in the city after 11 pm. The suspect was found playing music at a high volume in a residential area. ASI Resham Singh, who was on patrolling, arrested the violator. He has been booked under Section 188 of the IPC.