What is Noise?
Noise, by definition, is unwanted sound. What is pleasant to some ears may be extremely unpleasant to others, depending on a number of factors. The natural environment contains many sources of noise - wind, volcanoes, oceans, and animal sounds are all familiar intrusions accepted at various levels. Man-made noises - such as those from machines, automobiles, trains, planes, explosives and firecrackers are more contentious. Both kinds of noise affect sleep, hearing and communication as well as mental and physical health.
Noise, by definition, is unwanted sound. What is pleasant to some ears may be extremely unpleasant to others, depending on a number of factors. The natural environment contains many sources of noise - wind, volcanoes, oceans, and animal sounds are all familiar intrusions accepted at various levels. Man-made noises - such as those from machines, automobiles, trains, planes, explosives and firecrackers are more contentious. Both kinds of noise affect sleep, hearing and communication as well as mental and physical health.
What is Noise Pollution?
It is now increasingly understood that pollution from noise is an important component of air pollution, which was previously understood as being limited to material pollution. Noise is an inescapable by-product of the industrial environment, which is increasing with advances in industrialization and urbanization. Even in non-industrial areas, noise from such activities such as printing, auto-repair and grinding affects those living in the immediate surroundings.
It is now increasingly understood that pollution from noise is an important component of air pollution, which was previously understood as being limited to material pollution. Noise is an inescapable by-product of the industrial environment, which is increasing with advances in industrialization and urbanization. Even in non-industrial areas, noise from such activities such as printing, auto-repair and grinding affects those living in the immediate surroundings.
What is “Safe Noise Level”?
Noise travels through the air. Noise is measured in decibels. Experts believe that continuous noise levels in excess of 90 decibels can cause loss of hearing and irreversible changes in nervous systems. The World Health Organization [WHO] has fixed 45 decibels as the safe noise level for a city. Metropolitan areas in India usually register an average more than 90 decibels.
Noise travels through the air. Noise is measured in decibels. Experts believe that continuous noise levels in excess of 90 decibels can cause loss of hearing and irreversible changes in nervous systems. The World Health Organization [WHO] has fixed 45 decibels as the safe noise level for a city. Metropolitan areas in India usually register an average more than 90 decibels.
In Free Legal Aid Cell v. Government of NCT of Delhi [AIR 2001 Delhi 455]
The Court directed the establishment of separate courts to deal with the problem of noise pollution. Further, all District Magistrates should be empowered to issue prohibitory orders to limit the hours for the use of loudspeakers. The Court directed the Delhi Government to restrict the use of firecrackers on occasions like religious festivals, marriages, processions.
The Court directed the establishment of separate courts to deal with the problem of noise pollution. Further, all District Magistrates should be empowered to issue prohibitory orders to limit the hours for the use of loudspeakers. The Court directed the Delhi Government to restrict the use of firecrackers on occasions like religious festivals, marriages, processions.
What are the features of The Noise Regulation Rules 2000?
The rules regulate noise levels in industrial, [75 decibels] commercial [65 decibels] and residential zones [55 decibels], and also establish zones of silence (100 meters) near schools, courts, hospitals, etc. The rules also assign regulatory authority for these standards to the local district courts.
No permission can be granted by any authority for use of public address system in the open after 10.00 p.m. and before 6.00 a.m. No exception is possible. Any person or organization making noise on amplified system after 10.00 pm is violation of the law and the person can be prosecuted under the provisions of the EPA 1986.
The rules regulate noise levels in industrial, [75 decibels] commercial [65 decibels] and residential zones [55 decibels], and also establish zones of silence (100 meters) near schools, courts, hospitals, etc. The rules also assign regulatory authority for these standards to the local district courts.
No permission can be granted by any authority for use of public address system in the open after 10.00 p.m. and before 6.00 a.m. No exception is possible. Any person or organization making noise on amplified system after 10.00 pm is violation of the law and the person can be prosecuted under the provisions of the EPA 1986.
Who is authorised to grant permission after the restricted hours?
Only District Magistrates can grant permissions after 10.00 p.m. for functions within closed premises. District Magistrates cannot grant permission for use of any amplified public address system after 10.00 p.m. After permission has been procured, the sound must fall within the sound limits prescribed in the Noise Rules. This can be measured on a sound meter.
Only District Magistrates can grant permissions after 10.00 p.m. for functions within closed premises. District Magistrates cannot grant permission for use of any amplified public address system after 10.00 p.m. After permission has been procured, the sound must fall within the sound limits prescribed in the Noise Rules. This can be measured on a sound meter.
What are the consequences for violation of this Rule?
Any person violating the Rules is liable to be arrested under the stringent of the EPA. If the authorities do not act to stop violation of the Noise Rules, the citizen who has filed a complaint can approach the Court with his complaint after 60 days’ notice and the Court can initiate prosecution. The rules also fix different ambient air quality levels for firecrackers and industrial activities.
Any person violating the Rules is liable to be arrested under the stringent of the EPA. If the authorities do not act to stop violation of the Noise Rules, the citizen who has filed a complaint can approach the Court with his complaint after 60 days’ notice and the Court can initiate prosecution. The rules also fix different ambient air quality levels for firecrackers and industrial activities.
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