Noise is unwanted sound. Noise is a dangerous pollutant that is hazardous to health. It is also defined as an item under the Air (Pollution and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The Government of India was enacted Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 to regulate the noise pollution in public places which has deleterious effects on human health and the psychological wellbeing of the people.
The Noise Rules categorises areas, namely, the industrial area, residential area, commercial area, and silent zone. A different ambient air quality standard is then prescribed for each zone. The relevant authority is to ensure that noise does not exceed the prescribed limits is the senior police officers of the that area.
The noise level at the boundary of the public place, where loudspeaker or public address system or any other noise source is being used shall not exceed 10 dB(A) above the ambient noise standards for the area. No one shall beat a drum or tom – tom or blow a trumpet or beat or sound any instrument or use any sound amplifier at night (between 10.00 p.m. and 6 a.m.) except in public emergencies. No horn should be allowed to be used at night (between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.) in residential area except in exceptional circumstances.
The Noise Rules, 2000 authorizes District Magistrates, Police Commissioners, and other officers not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police for maintenance of the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise. These authorities are responsible for the enforcement of noise pollution control measures and the due compliance of the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise. Therefore, complaints have to be given to them and not to State Pollution Control Boards.
