Set up common hotline for complaints on noise pollution in Tricity, says panel

CHANDIGARH: A common hotline for complaints related to noise pollution should be created for the Tricity, suggested a six-member committee on Tuesday in its report submitted to the Punjab and Haryana high court on the issue.
The court had constituted the committee to give suggestions on how to implement the Supreme Court directions to control noise pollution in the Tricity. The committee members are M L Sarin, Reeta Kohli, Akshay Bhan, UT senior standing counsel Pankaj Jain and additional advocate generals of Punjab and Haryana.
The committee suggested the authorities must have in-house standard operating procedure clearly defining steps that are to be taken after a complaint is received specifying an outer time limit. The identity of the complainant should be kept confidential and record of complaints maintained, the report suggested.
The court directed Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to study the policy and submit its reply on the next date of hearing.
Justice G S Sandhawalia had earlier taken suo motu notice of the issue after loud music continued to be played till 3.45 am at a function organised by Kansal councillor Taranjit Kaur to celebrate the marriage of his son on the nights of November 15, 16 and 17. The court had observed that who would be the guardian of people’s right if the elected representative violate rules and had also expressed concern about wildlife in sanctuaries, “which are shrinking on account of human greed.” Later, a PIL was filed in the court to curb noise pollution. Also, a bunch of cases were clubbed together.
Use modern devices
Make prevention of noise pollution an integral part of Swachh Bharat Mission.
Sensitise people, both officials and general public, about hazardous effects of nose pollutions.
Sensitize religious institutions and marriage palaces about adverse impact of noise pollution.
Process of sensitizing public should be done through an aggressive campaign of four to six months.
The authorities should be equipped with modern noise monitoring devices.
Each religious institution should be asked to nominate a responsible person to ensure the implementation of the law.
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Action on violations
In case of violation, first-time offenders should be given a warning. Action should be taken for second violation and for third successive violation, not only the guilty but the enforcing party should be held guilty of contempt of court or FIR registered, the report suggested
‘Confiscate security deposit’
Whenever community centres in Chandigarh are allowed to be used for marriages or other functions, a sum of money should be kept in deposit to ensure there is no noise pollution. In case of breach, the money should be confiscated, the report suggested