Measure sound levels in Panchsheel Park: NGT to DPCC

The National Green Tribunal today directed DPCC to measure the sound levels on the stretch of Outer Ring Road running along Panchsheel Park here as well as inside the colony during different times of the day to ascertain noise pollution levels there.
A bench headed by Justice M S Nambiar gave the direction to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) after noting that the authority had measured the sound levels in the area only during the daytime and not at night.
The tribunal also directed DPCC to suggest measures to reduce the sound levels in the area if the same is found to be above permissible limits and listed the matter for further hearing on February 6.

"Inspection by DPCC done only at 1.20 pm and noise level at night not measured. We direct DPCC to conduct a further inspection and measure the noise levels during different times of the day. DPCC to also suggest measures to reduce noise levels if it exceeds permissible level," the bench said.
The order came after the tribunal perused the latest report submitted by the DPCC in pursuance of its November 11, 2013 order to submit its findings regarding noise levels in the colony.
Meanwhile, during the proceedings, counsel for petitioner Omesh Saigal contended that the latest report of the DPCC is vague and mentions incorrect house number(s).

Saigal, a resident of Panchsheel Park, has alleged that noise pollution, generated due to heavy traffic flow on the Outer Ring road, is affecting the health of the people living in the area.
His petition sought directions to the government or any of the civic bodies to install screens, to block the noise, along both sides of the road.
Saigal has alleged in his petition that the government has failed to take measures for abatement of noise and to ensure that existing noise levels do not exceed the ambient air quality standards specified under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000.