Comments
For systematic monitoring of ambient noise round the clock and creation of baseline data, the Centre has set up a National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network in seven cities.
The network has been set up in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad, to begin with. It is being managed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge). Mr Jairam Ramesh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on Monday.
Rules notified
On Monday, the Government also notified the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 which were amended in January 2010. As per the rules, the State/Union Territory Administrations have been asked to designate an ‘Authority' responsible for maintaining the ambient noise standards. The designated Authority has to be headed by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Mr Ramesh said that the Central/State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees had been carrying out noise monitoring in urban areas, mainly during festivals such as Deepawali. As per available data, the laid down noise norms for respective zones (industrial, commercial, residential and silence) are exceeded at many locations.
However, a definite trend cannot be ascertained since data is available only for a limited period, he added. At present, to prevent and control noise pollution, the Government is implementing the provisions of The Factories Act, 1948, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
The notified noise standards at manufacturing stage for generator sets, motor vehicles, select domestic appliances and fire crackers are implemented by the authorities concerned.
Blowing of horns, bursting of sound emitting firecrackers, operation of sound-emitting construction equipment, playing of bands etc have been restricted during night time (10 pm to 6 am) under the Noise Rules, 2000.
Comments
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.