bihar-govt-launches-drive-against-loudspeakers-after-10-pm

The Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) will begin a 20-day enforcement drive from Thursday night against the use of loudspeakers and high-decibel sound systems after 10 pm across Patna, following a surge in public complaints over noise pollution.

 

BSPCB Chairman Devendra Kumar Shukla said the decision was taken after residents repeatedly flagged violations of prescribed noise limits and night-time restrictions in the state capital.

 

“After receiving a lot of complaints, the BSPCB has decided to initially launch a 20-day drive to strictly enforce the ban on loudspeakers and DJ boxes after 10 pm. Three teams have been formed, and they will start conducting raids from tonight,” Shukla said.

 

He underlined that the use of loudspeakers beyond 10 pm is already prohibited under existing norms, but compliance has remained poor.

 

“Use of loudspeakers after 10 pm is already banned, but it is not being strictly followed. Initially, the team will impose a hefty fine on the violators,” he said.

 

The BSPCB chairman said that violations were not limited to timing alone, but also extended to permissible sound levels laid down under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules.

 

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“Not only the ban, but prescribed noise limits under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules are being violated. The rule is simple, follow permissible sound levels and timings,” Shukla said.

 

Highlighting the public health impact, Shukla said unchecked noise pollution has emerged as a serious concern, particularly in densely populated areas of Patna.

 

“Noise pollution causes irritability, hearing loss, high blood pressure and heart problems. The BSPCB monitors noise pollution levels at more than 950 locations in Patna,” he said.

 

He added that other enforcement agencies would also be roped in at a later stage to strengthen the drive and ensure sustained compliance.

 

The enforcement initiative comes close on the heels of the BSPCB’s recent appeal to motorists in Patna to observe a weekly ‘No Honking Day’ on Sundays, as part of broader efforts to curb rising noise levels in the city.