Even after a year, 'Silent Zones' in Imphal remain meaningless
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 18 2014: Even though the State Government had identified various areas of Imphal city as 'Silent Zones' since January 31 last year, non-enforcement of the same by the concerned Department or authority has rendered the silent zone prohibitions meaningless.

With the declaration of some areas under Imphal Municipal Council and greater Imphal as silent zones by the Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment, Government of Manipur on January 31 last year, Manipur Pollution Control Board erected signboards indicating the prohibition at various parts of the city.

But even after a year of the declaration and despite the signboards erected for public view, loud gas horns are still blown by commuting vehicles at places including Governor Road and High Court complex thereby breaking guidelines of the prohibition.

Breaking of silent zone prohibition attracts various punishments under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1985.Playing of music with sound amplifiers, beating of loud musical instruments like trumpets and drums, firing of crackers, etc, amount to breach of guidelines of the prohibitory rules.

With the district authorities and the police remaining silent on the increasing breach of silent zone guidelines by commuters, the air pollution has become a health hazard in Imphal city.

However, the Government has not yet paid any due attention to the issue.

'No Horn' signboards are presently displayed at 35 places under Imphal Municipal Council including the Governor Road, Manipur High Court and Old High Court complexes, Secretariat office and Chief Minister's Bungalow.

Silent zone areas of Imphal city cover places lying within 100 meters of Government offices, educational institutions, Assam Rifles and Manipur Rifles premises and parking areas.

According to the Forest Department notification, places within 100 meters of Zoological/botanical sites notified by Forest Department; Schools, colleges and universities recognized by the State or the Central Government; hospitals or health clinics with over 12 beds; Raj Bhavan, Kangla, CM Secretariat, Civil Secretariat, High Court, Assembly Hall and City Convention centre are silent zones.

The State Government order also prohibits blowing of horns on the roads from Keishampat Junction to Raj Bhavan, Raj Bhavan gate to Palace compound via Sanjenthong, Moirangkhom Kalimai Temple to Imphal head post office, Raj Bhaban gate to PWD office, and Thong Nambonbi bridge to Kangla western gate.

Areas under silent zone allows a sound level not more than 50 decibel during daytime and 40 decibel during the night, while in industrial areas, permissible sound level is below 75 decibel during daytime and 70 decibel during the night.

In commercial areas, sound level must be below 65 decibel during daytime and 55 decibel during the night, while at residential areas, the sound level permissible should be below 55 decibel during daytime and 45 decibel during night-time.

According to the prohibitory order, daytime refers to the period between 6 am and 10 pm, and rest is the night time.

Use of loud speakers and public address system without prior permission is not allowed in the silent zone areas.

However, the loud speakers and loud musical instruments may be used inside auditorium, conference hall, indoor hall, community hall etc.

during the night.

Except during public emergency, blowing of horns is prohibited at silent zones and residential areas.

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