High court seeks govt reply on noise pollution in Patna

The Patna high court on Wednesday directed the Bihar government to respond by Thursday to a petition complaining “excessive noise pollution” in the state capital.

The Patna high court on Wednesday directed the Bihar government to respond by Thursday to a petition complaining “excessive noise pollution” in the state capital.

Against the permissible limit of 55 decibel (dB) in the day time, the noise level was found to be 85.5 dB at Raja Bazar, 86.2 dB at Boring Road crossing, 86.4dB at Rajapur Pul and 78.1dB near Loyola high school. (HT photo)

A division bench of acting chief justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari and justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh passed the order while hearing the petition filed by Samir Kumar.

In his petition, Kumar had pleaded for a court’s direction to authorities concerned to enforce various laws to prevent noise pollution. Under the Bihar Control of the Use and Play of Loudspeakers Act, 1955 and the Rules made thereunder, nobody could play or use loudspeakers between 10pm and 6am without the permission in writing by authorities concerned, he said.

Kumar also pleaded for enforcement of the Environment Protection Act 1986 and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rule 2000 effectively to prevent noise pollution.

The sound pollution, caused by music band, loudspeakers, crackers, diesel generators adversely affected people’s health and behavioral pattern, often leading to physiological and psychological disorders, the petitioner added.

Referring to official records, petitioner’s counsel Mrigank Mauli said the noise pollution beyond permissible limits was causing annoyance, hypertension, high stress and aggression to people residing in many localities of Patna.

He said against the permissible limit of 55 decibel (dB) in the day time, the noise level was found to be 85.5 dB at Raja Bazar, 86.2 dB at Boring Road crossing, 86.4dB at Rajapur Pul and 78.1dB near Loyola high school.