Sound systems sans sound limiters to be banned in festivals
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10 2018: The State Government has started taking up steps to ban the use of sound systems, which do not have sound limiters, in public gatherings or festivities, taking stock of the effects and inconveniences caused by loud sounds.

According to information received by The Sangai Express from an official source, the State Government has made all the necessary arrangements to issue a notice banning the use of such (unregulated) sound systems as per the order of National Green Tribunal, Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata.

The source pointed out that the order was passed by National Green Tribunal, Eastern Zone Bench on October 3 after a petition was filed by one Subhash Datta against the Orissa Government.

According to the order of the National Green Tribunal, it is mandatory for the sound systems rented out by the concerned firms or companies for festivals or any kind of programmes to be certified by the Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Municipal Board, Panchayat or any other authority concerned, as having sound limiters.

The order also directed the police to check whether the sound systems have sound limiters while granting approval for the organisation of any programmes as well as to approve only those programmes which use sound or audio systems with sound limiters.

The order made it perfectly clear that the police should strictly supervise and ensure that shops also sell only audio systems with sound limiters and political as well as Governmental functions use such systems only.

The order passed by the National Green Tribunal, Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata, is applicable for Bihar, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Orissa, Sikkim and Andaman and Nicobar island.

The Tribunal also sent the necessary orders to the respective/concerned State/Union Territories regarding the matter, the source stated, adding that order has been received by the Chief Secretary of Manipur as well.

The source explained that as per the directive, Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has started taking up necessary actions and a notice regarding the same will be issued at the earliest.

As soon as the notification is issued, the ban on use of sound or audio systems without sound limiters will be enforced with immediate effect.

On the other hand, as per information received by The Sangai Express from an official of MPCB, loud sound systems used in festivals and events are a source of noise pollution in the environment, apart from being a social problem.

The use of audio systems with sound limiters will ensure that the sounds coming from events and programmes do not cause any form of inconveniences to others, the source added.

The source further explained that the State already has a sound limit which is permissible by law.

According to the rule, the sound levels in industrial areas should be 70-75 decibels, 65-70 decibels in commercial areas, 50-55 decibels in residential areas and 40-45 decibels in silent zone.

The State has a norm of using extra loud speaker systems during festivals, ceremonies, functions and political programmes.

If the order passed by the National Green Tribunal takes effect in the State after the necessary notification is issued, the use of loud speaker systems during festivals will be reduced to a great extent, the source added.

The MPCB will also look into any complaints regarding inconveniences caused by loud sounds from local rice mills, small scale industries, wood works etc in residential areas.

The sources explained that MPCB can even shut down these factories/industries if it is established that the sound is causing great inconveniences to the surrounding people.

In extreme cases, FIRs can also be filed and police will get involved as well, the source added.

The source further explained that the district administration and police also play huge roles in ensuring the success of the initiatives but the current lack of man power in MPCB has resulted in delay in taking up proper actions against such noise pollution cases.

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