Amid the ongoing controversy over using loudspeakers for calling azaan in mosques, the State Government has asked all those wishing to use loudspeakers to obtain permission within 15 days. Loudspeakers without permission from designated authorities would be removed.
A circular issued on Tuesday also cited the decibel levels for residential, commercial, and industrial areas as per the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Meeting with CM
The circular by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment came after Chief Secretary P. Ravikumar sent a note to the department following a meeting with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday.
“The Chief Minister has directed that the rules and the Karnataka Government Order of August 13, 2002, shall be strictly implemented henceforth. All users of loudspeakers or public address systems should obtain written permission from the designated authority within 15 days,” a note from the Chief Secretary said. Further, it said, “Those who do not obtain permission should volunatarily remove the loudspeakers or they should be removed by the designated authority.”
Committees will be formed at different levels to decide the application for loudspeaker or public address systems. The committee in all Police Commissionerate areas will comprise the Assistant Commissioner of Police, jurisdictional Executive Engineer of the city corporation and representative from the pollution control board. In all other areas, the committee will comprise the Deputy Superintendent of Police, jurisdictional tahsildar, and a member from the pollution control board.
SC orders
The Chief Secretary has pointed out to the Supreme Court orders of July 18, 2005, and October 28, 2005, that directed all the designated authorities to implement the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. The Rule 3 (1) of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, has laid down the ambient air quality standard in respect of noise, the note said, adding that the rules also define that the “daytime” shall mean 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. According to Rule 5 (1), loudspeaker or public address system shall not be used except after obtaining permission from the designated authority and Rule 5 (2) bars the use of loudspeaker or public address system or any sound-producing instrument at night time except in closed premises, subject to other conditions, the note added.
The circular issued by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment defined closed premises as auditoria, conference room, community hall, and banquet hall.
