Regulation & Control of Bursting of Firecrackers and Noise Pollution

Hon'ble Supreme Court Directives

 

 The directives of three-judge Bench of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in 2001, to all the District Collectors in the Country to ensure that firecrackers are burst only between 6 pm and 10 pm, during Dasara, Diwali and other festivals. The Bench recognizing the need to protect the people from ill effects of air and noise pollution described the 'Right to Peaceful Sleep' as a Fundamental Right.

                         

 The Bench also directed the authorities to ensure that fireworks are not used at any time in silence zones. That is within 100 meters around public or private hospitals, nursing homes or other institutions for the reception and treatment of the sick or wounded, educational institutions, religious places, courts and other places designated as silence zones. 

 

The Supreme Court Bench further directed the Central and State governments, to strictly enforce  the Environment Protection Rules, which prohibit manufacture, sale or use of firecrackers generating a noise level exceeding 125 decibels at four meters distance from the point of bursting. The Bench asked the managements and Principals of all schools to take steps to inform students about the ill-effects of firecrackers on health and otherwise and also inform them about the court's directions.

 

Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules

 

 The A P State Govt, in pursuance of GOI, MoEF Notification No. S.O 123 ( E) dated 14-.2-2000 --Noise Pollution ( R &C) Rules, 2000, issued G.O.Rt. No. 227 of 11-7-2000, to regulate & control noise producing & generating sources. As per the GO. the Commissioner of Police, shall be the Prescribed Authority, to implement Standards & Rules in respect of Noise, in Municipal Corporations & similarly Superintendents of Police of Districts shall be the Prescribed Authority within their jurisdiction. These Authorities shall have powers to sub delegate the authority further.

Ground Realities, Hyderabad in Particular

       

The steep rise in pollution parameters, monitored by APPCB at different parts of Hyderabad city during the festival week in respect of RSPM, SPM, SO2, NoX etc and the Noise levels exceeding the prescribed levels in all the zones, are the clear indication of the ill effects and hazardous nature of indiscriminate bursting of firecrackers. The authorities concerned are not either aware of Hon'ble Supreme Court directives and Noise Pollution (Regulation& Control) Rules, vide G.O.Rt.No.227 of 11-07-2000, even after the lapse of 9 to 10 years, or have failed in discharging the duties assigned to them.

 

Conclusion

 

In the light of the position explained above and taking into account the adverse impacts of pollutants and noise levels, on the health of infants, the aged & the sick and the quality of life in general, the Manufacture, Sale, and Bursting of Fire Crackers need to be regulated and controlled, strictly in conformance with the directives of Hon'ble Supreme Court, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules in force as on date, are to be enforced strictly.

 

 The widest publicity needs to be given through Print and Electronic Media regarding Supreme Court Directives and Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules, during the ongoing Diwali season to create awareness among all concerned and to be continued thereafter at regular intervals.

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