AVM urges Amritsar DC to act on noise pollution

Amritsar, February 4

A local NGO Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM), in a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, urged him to implement stricter laws to bring noise pollution in the city under control. In the letter, members brought the daily violations of the law — prohibiting playing loud music/instruments from 10 pm to 6 am — to the DC’s attention.

AVM president Harjap Singh Aujla, patron Charanjit Singh Gumtala and principal Kulwant Singh said the government had banned the use of pressure horns on vehicles almost 22 years ago but, to no avail. Members said many vehicles continue using pressure horns and they are a major source of nuisance because they can be heard miles away especially at night.

The members also said that Akal Takht had issued an edict in 2005 stating that voice of sermons at religious places should not be heard beyond their premises, unfortunately, that too failed to stop people.

Aujla said loud music is played until 1 am and since a number of marriage palaces are situated near residential areas, residents are affected by the noise pollution.

In the letter, the AVM members urged the Deputy Commissioner to instruct the police officials concerned to take notice of the violations in their respective jurisdictions. They said the managements of religious places should also be made aware of the problems that noise pollution creates for residents of the city.