ആഘോഷങ്ങളുടെ ഭാഗമായും ചടങ്ങുകളുടെ ഭാഗമായും വലിയ ശബ്ദത്തിൽ സ്പീക്കറുകൾ ഉപയോഗിക്കുമ്പോൾ അതിൻറെ ശല്യം മൂലം ദുരിതം അനുഭവിക്കുന്നവർ അനവധിയാണ്. യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ നമ്മുടെ ഇടയിൽ ഉപയോഗിക്കപ്പെടുന്ന ഇത്തരത്തിലുള്ള ശബ്ദ പരിപാടികൾ പലതും മതിയായ അനുമതിയോ നിയമാനുസൃതമായ നടപടികൾ പാലിച്ചോ നടക്കുന്നതാണെന്ന് ഉറപ്പ് പറയാൻ ആകില്ല.
ശബ്ദമീകരണം തടയാനുള്ള നടപടികൾ എന്താണ് ?
How to abate sound pollution ?
The section 77 of the Kerala Police Act 2011, empowers the District Police Chief to issue directions to prevent nuisance, harm, or risk by regulating noise (music, amplified sound, noisy trades/activities) in public spaces, serving as a tool for maintaining public order and safety, though its application, particularly regarding speech/gatherings, has faced legal challenges concerning free speech rights. Therefore if a complaint is received in connection with this offence action can be taken in accordance with the provisions of law.
There are other provisions and legislations also, particularly meant for abating sound pollution.
The provision under Rule 3(3) of Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 mandates that the State Government shall take measures for abatement of noise exceed the ambient air quality standards specified under the rules.
The Rule 4 Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 states the responsibility as to enforcement of noise pollution control measures.
However, the Rule 5(3) permit the use of loud speakers in the night hours on or during any cultural or religious occasion of a limited duration not exceeding 15 days in all during a calendar year.
The Rule 5(1) makes it clear that the loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used except after obtaining written permission from the authority. The Rule 5(2) casts an embargo against the use of loud speaker during night which is shown in the statute itself as 10 pm to 6 am except in cases of closed premises for communication.
The Rule 5(4) says the noise level at the boundary of the public place where loud speaker or public address system or any other noise source is being used shall not exceed 10 dB. The boundary of private place shall not exceed more than 5dB.
The state shall make provision for seizure and confiscation of loudspeakers, amplifiers and such other equipment as are found to be creating noise beyond the permissible limits.
The freedom from noise pollution is a part of the right of life under Article 21 of the Constitution. Noise interferes with the fundamental right of the citizens to live in peace and to protect themselves against forced audience. The subrule 3 of Rule 5 which gives the power to grant exemption is a reasonable restriction placed in public interest. The relaxation is only for 2 hours only and that too for a maximum for 15 days in all during a calendar year confined to cultural or religious occasions. Since the power has been conferred on State Government by the Central Government it cannot further be delegated. The power would be exercised by the State Government by keeping in view the interest of entire state population. (Forum for the Prevention of Envn. And Pollution V. UOI 2005 8 SCC 796).
