1
NOISE POLLUTION:
Earlier, noise pollution and its sources were addressed under the Air (Prevention and Control
of Pollution) Act, 1981. They are now, however, regulated separately under the Noise
Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
In industrial areas, the permissible limit is 75 dB for daytime and 70 dB at night.
In commercial areas, it is 65 dB and 55 dB, while in residential areas it is 55 dB and 45 dB
during daytime and night respectively.
Additionally, state governments have declared ‘silent zones’ which includes areas that lie
within 100 meters of the premises of schools, colleges, hospitals and courts. The permissible
noise limit in this zone is 50 dB during the day and 40 dB during the night.
Day time shall mean from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Night time shall mean from 10.00 p.m. to
6.00 a.m.
The punishment for this offence is jail time up to five years and/or a fine up to Rs. 1 Lakh. If
the noise pollution continues, then the punishment is an additional fine of Rs. 5000 for every
day the pollution happens. If the noise continues for more than a year despite orders to stop it,
then a person may be punished with jail time up to 7 years.
Complaining about Noise Pollution
If someone wants to complain about noise pollution, these are some of the options:
First Option: Police
First option to complain about noise pollution lies with the police. They have the power to stop
the noise by suspending the noise-producing instrument and prohibiting the further use of that
equipment or instrument.
Second Option: Pollution Control Boards
Next best option is to approach the Central/State Pollution Control Boards who are the nodal
authorities for the prevention of environmental pollution. These authorities have the power to
issue a written order for preventing, prohibiting, controlling or regulating any vocal or
