DC Kohima enforces strict noise pollution regulations

Deputy Commissioner Kohima has issued a comprehensive order enforcing strict regulations on noise pollution across the district, in line with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and directives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and National Green Tribunal (NGT).
According to DIPR report, the order categorizes areas into industrial, commercial, residential and silence zones, prescribing maximum permissible noise limits measured in dB (A) Leq. Industrial areas have been capped at 75 dB during the day and 70 dB at night, commercial areas at 65 dB (day) and 55 dB (night), residential zones at 55 dB (day) and 45 dB (night), while silence zones—within 100 meters of hospitals, schools and courts—are restricted to 50 dB (day) and 40 dB (night).
Restrictions have been imposed on the use of loudspeakers, public address systems, drums and amplifiers between 10 pm and 6 am, except within closed auditoriums. Diesel generator (DG) sets must be fitted with acoustic enclosures, while bursting of firecrackers is prohibited during the restricted hours, with only “green crackers” permitted during designated festivals.
Venue owners of marriage halls, hotels, community centres and open grounds have been held jointly responsible for violations on their premises and directed to ensure organizers obtain valid noise permits from the district administration.
Violations will attract penalties and environmental compensation as per National Green Tribunal norms: Rs.10,000 fine and confiscation of equipment for loudspeaker misuse; Diesel generator set violations ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000, and up to Rs. 1 lakh for large industrial sets, along with sealing; construction equipment misuse will incur Rs. 50,000 fines and seizure; repeat violations at fixed premises may lead to penalties between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 1 lakh with sealing of premises.
Administrative Officers and Sub-Divisional Police Officers of respective circles have been designated as enforcing authorities, empowered to seize equipment, seal premises and recover compensation.
Deputy Commissioner Kohima informed that the order comes into force with immediate effect.