The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000

  The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000  are a set of rules that aim to reduce noise pollution in public areas, homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. The rules were enacted under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986. Some of the rules include: 

Loudspeaker restrictions

Loudspeakers and public address systems can only be used after written permission from the authority. They cannot be used at night (10 PM–6 AM) except in closed premises for communication. However, the state government can permit their use during night hours for cultural, religious, or festive occasions. 

Noise limits

Ambient noise standards are set for different areas. 

Silence zones

Silence zones are areas of at least 100 meters around hospitals, educational institutions, courts, religious places, or any other area declared as such by the competent authority. 

Enforcement

Authorities must enforce noise limits and collect noise pollution data. Violations in silence zones are subject to penalties under the Environment Protection Act. 

The rules have been amended several times, including in 2002, 20

06, and 2010. 

Here are some rules and regulations related to noise in India: 

Permissible noise levels

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has set different noise levels for different areas and times of day: 

Industrial areas: 75 decibels (dB) during the day and 70 dB at night 

Commercial areas: 65 dB during the day and 55 dB at night 

Residential areas: 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night 

Silent zones: 50 dB during the day and 40 dB at night 

Loudspeakers and public address systems

These can only be used after written permission is obtained. They cannot be used at night, except in closed premises for communication. 

Noise pollution control

State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees are responsible for enforcing noise pollution control measures. 

Noise as a public nuisance

Section 268 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) states that noise is a public nuisance if it causes injury, danger, or annoyance. Section 290 of the IPC makes the act of creating a public nuisance a punishable offense. 

The decibel (dB) is the standard unit for measuring noise. Here are some examples of noise levels:

A whisper is 20 to 25 dB

A quiet home is 30 dB

A normal conversation is 60 dB

80 dB is a level of noise that can be

 physically uncomfortable