Govt fined ₹5 lakh for failing to curb noise pollution

Green panel says neither a 24-hour helpline nor public redressal has been set up

NEW DELHI, 01/08/2015: A view of National Green Tribunal (NGT), in New Delhi on August 01, 2015. Photo: Sushil Kumar Verma

The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday rapped the Delhi government for its failure to check noise pollution in west Delhi and slapped a fine of ₹5 lakh on it for non-compliance of its order.

A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel noted that more than four months have passed since its September 27, 2018 order and none of its directions have been complied.

Within a week

The tribunal directed the Aam Aadmi Party government to deposit the fine amount with the Central Pollution Control Board within a week.

“We are satisfied that the authorities failed to comply with the orders of the tribunal,” the Bench said after perusing a quarterly report on the noise pollution in Rajouri Garden.

The green panel said that neither a dedicated 24-hour helpline nor a public redressal mechanism has been devised for receiving complaints by SMS, telephone or e-mails.

It also noted that even the DCP and the SDM have not held joint weekly meeting to review the situation.

The green panel on September 27, 2018, had passed a slew of directions and said Delhi Chief Secretary, Commissioner of Police and Delhi Pollution Control Committee will be responsible for enforcement of the directions.

“Chief Secretary of Delhi may nominate one SDM exclusively for dealing with the issue of noise pollution. The above DCP and the SDM must have a joint meeting to review the situation at least once in a week. They may have their exclusive website for receiving and disseminating information to the public. A dedicated helpline 24-hour may be made operative which may be jointly monitored by the DCP and the SDM,” the NGT had said.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Hardeep Singh and others alleging that bars and restaurants in Rajouri Garden area were using loudspeakers and DJ systems during weddings, receptions, parties and other functions and causing noise pollution from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

“They are also operating bars, restaurants, arranging parties, marriages etc., in the said area. The noise emanating from the loudspeakers, musical systems, DJ sets, etc., disturbs the residents,” the plea said.