Noise pollution:NGT orders closure of Noida banquet hall

Taking note of loud music played at weddings and functions, the National Green Tribunal has ordered the closure of a Noida banquet hall located adjacent to a hospital for causing noise pollution beyond permissible limits.
A bench headed by Justice U D Salvi directed immediate closure of Punjabi Club located in sector 29 Noida after taking into account a report of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board which said the noise levels exceeded the standard values prescribed under the Noise Rules, 2000.
According to the UPPCB report, Punjabi Club had not obtained consent to operate from the Board.
"It is evident from UPPCB report that noise levels are exceeding the standard values prescribed under the Noise Rules, 2000...The Respondent No 5, Punjabi Club shall close its activities till further orders," the bench, which also comprised Expert Member Ranjan Chatterjee, said.

The green panel also took exception to the non-submission of affidavit by the club enumerating details of permissions obtained by it from UPPCB.
The lawyer, appearing for the club, said it had all the requisite permissions and would file an affidavit in this regard stating details of measures undertaken to curb noise pollution.

The matter is now listed for next hearing on September 8.
The order came during the hearing of a plea filed by Noida resident Rajeev Rai who had approached the green panel complaining about the noise pollution caused by the banquet hall located next to a 40-bed hospital and a church.

Rai, who lives nearly 50 metres away from the banquet hall, has said that Punjabi Club was located within 100 metre radius of the hospital which fell under "silence zone".
He had sought immediate steps to curtail noise pollution in the area and complete ban on use of loud speakers.