Learned counsel appearing for the State-respondents has filed a Second Compliance Report, in which the detail of the steps taken on the complaints alleging noise pollution, has been recorded.
It is admitted that though the instructions have been issued to the Police Stations to check the noise pollution in the silence zones, which are sensitive to noise beyond permissible limits, the silence zones have not been notified, nor any sign-boards have been put displaying the limits of such zones.
It is also admitted that the Police Stations in the City of Jodhpur do not have the equipments, with technology to measure the noise levels, which should not be over and above as prescribed by the Notifications issued under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 made under the Environment Protection Act.
After hearing the parties, for ensuring compliance of Statutory Notifications, we direct the respondents to put sign-boards within the City of Jodhpur displaying the limits of the silence zones on both sides of such zones within which the motor vehicles are allowed to use horns. The respondents will also procure sound measuring equipment to be made available to all the important Police Stations within the limits of Jodhpur. The respondents are also directed to completely stop the use of pressure horns by motor vehicles in the City, and will be authorized to remove pressure horns from the vehicles, in addition to the challans. The respondents may strictly enforce the Notification and the directions of the Supreme Court limiting the use of loudspeakers between 10.00 PM to 6.00 AM in marriage parties, hotels, and to ensure time limits for use of loudspeakers in the temples and mosques as well.
The Third Compliance Report will be filed within a month.
List on 10.2.2015