Court mandates actionable steps from government bodies to address noise pollution from illegal vehicle modifications in Uttar Pradesh.
In a significant ruling aimed at curbing noise pollution, the Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench, issued a series of directives to various stakeholders, including the Pollution Control Board, the Transport Department, and the Police Department. The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated suo moto, highlighting the increasing menace of noise pollution caused by modified silencers, pressure horns, and hooters in private vehicles.
The court, comprising Justices Rajan Roy and Manjive Shukla, underscored the ineffectiveness of current measures to combat noise pollution, emphasizing that merely publishing data on pollution control web portals is insufficient. The Pollution Control Board was instructed to send collected data to relevant state or central government departments for actionable interventions. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the Board's efforts, highlighting the absence of formulated measures for noise pollution prevention as mandated under Rule 4(3) of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Further, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 was cited, with Section 52 being pivotal in the court's directive for transport authorities to check garages and workshops for illegal modifications. The state government was also urged to establish effective mechanisms to curb the sale and installation of such equipment.
The court also advocated for the use of technology and awareness campaigns. State authorities were directed to explore the feasibility of deploying acoustic cameras or noise radars in strategic locations to monitor and reduce noise pollution. The court emphasized the need for awareness campaigns through social media, print media, and workshops to educate the public about the impacts of noise pollution.
The Police Department was tasked with filing a comprehensive affidavit detailing measures to curb the sale and use of prohibited items, while subordinate officers are to be sensitized and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) implemented effectively.
The Union of India was also brought into the purview, with the court directing it to address the online sale of modified silencers and other prohibited items via e-commerce platforms.
The court's directives are expected to bring about a significant reduction in noise pollution levels across the state, provided all stakeholders implement the measures effectively.
Bottom Line:
Noise Pollution - Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation highlighting the menace of noise pollution caused by modified silencers, pressure horns, and hooters in private vehicles - Directions issued to various stakeholders including Pollution Control Board, Transport Department, Police Department, and Union of India to take effective measures to curb noise pollution.
Statutory provision(s): Environment Protection Act, 1986, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 Section 52
Noise Pollution v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(DB)(Lucknow) : Law Finder Doc id # 2885205
