Noise Pollution From Vehicle Horns & Modified Exhausts: NGT Asks Rajasthan Govt To Comply With SC Directions

The direction was made in an application been filed by Consumer Unity & Trust Society, Jaipur regarding rampant noise pollution in the State which majorly emanates from vehicles either through incessant use of horns and modified exhausts.

Reliance was placed on Hardeep Singh v. South Delhi Municipal Corporation whereby the Principal Bench of NGT had issued directions to ensure that the noise pollution norms are enforced at the ground level for "protection of public health and the environment."

The Principal Bench had also directed for constitution of a monitoring committee, headed by a former High Court Judge, to ascertain the status of compliance and suggest further measures for enforcement of noise pollution control measures, in Delhi.

In this backdrop, the Tribunal observed that it is expected from the respondents to comply with and follow the guidelines issued in Hardeep Singh as well as orders issued by the Supreme Court of India. The Top Court had, in In Re: Noise Pollution restricted use of high volume producing systems.

It is further expected that the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board for monitoring and controlling the noise pollution be followed, added the court.

A bench of the Tribunal headed by Justice Sheo Kumar Singh, observed,

"We expect that the respondents shall comply and follow the guidelines issued in the above noted case as well as orders issued by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India and guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board for monitoring and controlling the noise pollution".

The matter is next listed on Feb 7, 2022. Meanwhile, the Respondents have been asked to file their replies.

Adv. Bhaskar Agarwal and Adv. Tarun Agarwal appeared on behalf of applicants, whereas Adv. Shoeb Hasan Khan and Adv. Mr. Rohit Sharma appeared on behalf of the respondents.