Diljit show organisers face Rs 15L penalty for noise norm violation

The UT Administration is gearing up to impose a maximum of penalty on the organisers of the Diljit Dosanjh show for the violation of noise-level restrictions. The concert was held at the Exhibition Ground in Sector 34 on December 14.

The noise level during the concert exceeded the 75-decibel limit mandated by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. It ranged between 76.1 and 93.1 decibels at three locations.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of the area has submitted a detailed report to the Environment Department, which has forwarded its recommendations under the Environment Protection Act to the Administration.

According to officials, a notice will soon be issued to the organisers to seek their response before a final decision is made. They emphasised that giving the organisers a hearing is mandatory under the Act. The Administration is likely to recommend a maximum penalty of Rs 15 lakh for this violation.

The High Court had issued strict instructions ahead of the shows, capping noise levels at 75 decibels. Despite the restrictions, noise level at both events of Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon exceeded the permissible limits.

In an affidavit submitted before a Division Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the UT Administration had stated that the noise levels exceeded the permissible limits during the Diljit Dosanjh concert on December 14. Action under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Noise Pollution Rules had been proposed.

To prevent similar issues in the future, it has formed a committee, led by the Deputy Commissioner, to draft a standard operating procedure (SOP) for large gatherings. The SOP will address noise monitoring, traffic management and minimising inconvenience to residents, said the Administration.

The authorities will also initiate action against the organisers of the AP Dhillon concert for a similar violation during the show in Sector 25 on December 21. An official said for a maximum time, the noise level remained 80 decibels and reached 85 decibels for a short period.

Following complaints from residents and traders in and around Sector 34 about severe traffic congestion, noise pollution and loss to businesses during the Karan Aujla and Diljit Dosanjh concerts, the UT Administration shifted the venue for the AP Dhillon event from Sector 34 to the Rally Ground in Sector 25. It is unlikely to allow any huge gathering in Sector 34 in the future.