Special Team to Measure Noise Level at Religious Places

Port Blair, Nov. 17: In compliance of the directions of Hon’ble National Green Tribunal maintenance of ambient noise standards is a mandatory requirement under the law. The District Administration has come out with the notification in July 2019 in which the ambient air quality standard in respect of noise in different zone have been notified and also made available to the general public through print and electronic media.

Industrial area: (6.00 am to 10.00 PM): Limit 75 dB(A) leq. /(10.00 pm to 6.00 am): Limit 70 dB(A) leq.

Commercial area:              (6.00 am to 10.00 PM): Limit 65 dB(A) leq./(10.00 pm to 6.00 am): Limit 55 dB(A) leq.

Residential area: (6.00 am to 10.00 PM): Limit 55 dB(A) leq/(10.00 pm to 6.00 am): Limit 45 dB(A) leq.

Silence Zone: (6.00 am to 10.00 PM): Limit 50 dB(A) leq / (10.00 pm to 6.00 am): Limit 40 dB(A) leq.

Off late the District Administration has received complaints from various corners including from the educational/ health institutions and the vicinity of worship places regarding using of sound system above the permissible levels.

In this connection a meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Dy. Commissioner, South Andaman with all the religious leaders wherein the provision made under the above referred was circulated and all have been made aware about the provisions therein. Representatives of all the religious institution have come forward and agreed to follow the directions of the Hon’ble NGT.

It has been decided in the meeting that a special team comprising of members from the District Administration, Police, ANPCC would visit all the religious institution to measure the noise from the instruments used there and make them aware how to regulate the limit. Most of the religious institutions have voluntarily come forward to purchase the decibel meters for measurement of the noise and strict compliance of NGT directions.

It has also been decided that all the shops and dealer of the audio sound system will not sale or let out any audio system which does not have fitted sound limiter.