SPCB Imposes Restrictions On Use Of Loud Speakers In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) has imposed restrictions on use of loudspeakers.

The SPCB has asked district collectors and SPs to take steps in this direction. The officials have been told not to allow playing of loudspeaker above 65 decibel on any occasion.

The loudspeakers at marriage processions, religious functions, cultural programmes as well as public meetings should be played within the prescribed sound limit, the SPCB stated.

Some of the rules to be followed for use of loudspeakers include:

• No one can use loud speakers or DJ systems without approval from police station concerned
• Audio systems with sound limiters shall only be allowed
• The SPCB also prescribed punitive action as per law

Action taken may be intimated within 4 weeks for kind appraisal of the Chief Secretary, the SPCB stated in the letter.

“Proper action may please be taken at your level including issuance of suitable instruction to the field-level functionaries to be more alert and effective for control of noise caused during marriage processions, religious functions, cultural programmes as well as public meetings etc. held in their jurisdiction,” the Board’s letter stated.

Several advisories have been issued by the Government for enforcement of noise pollution control rules in respective jurisdictions which may be scrupulously followed, the letter added.