DMs & SPs told to take steps for installation of sound

The Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) has written to all District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police to ensure steps for installation of "sound limiter" device in all the "sound amplifiers" to keep sound pollution within prescribed limits.

Sound amplifiers includes loudspeakers, public address system or any other equipment that emits sound/noise.

In pursuance to the order passed by the National Green Tribunal, Kolkata bench, the board wrote letter to all the DMs and SPs for its compliance in order to keep the noise pollution under prescribed limits, the BSPCB Public Relations Officer (PRO) Birendra Kumar said in a release.

In its order, the BSPCB has asked the authorities concerned to ensure supply, manufacturing/marketing, installation of "sound limiter" in all the "sound amplifiers", the release said while adding that it has also asked the officials to ensure that manufacturers are promoted to build public address system fitted with "sound limiters".

The district administration and licensing authorities would include the introduction of "sound limiter" as one of the conditions set for giving license to play loudspeakers, public address system at public places on various occasions including religious ones, it said.

The district administration would keep a strict vigil on firms, which market audio systems in the state, that they do not sell any audio system which is not fitted with "sound limiter" equipment, it said.

Apart from NGT's order, the letter written to all the DMs and SPs also talked about strictly enforcing "The Bihar Control of the use and play of Loud Speakers Act, 1955" as per which 'use and play' of loudspeakers are banned between 10 pm to 6 am without the permission of the board.

The BSPCB has proposed that the competent authorities should ensure the registration of those who provide services and play loudspeakers, DJ and other instruments which emit loud noise.