Nagpur Police Inspector Reprimanded Over Noise Complaint
The Ambazari police inspector faced reprimand and a beat marshal was fined for failing to address a noise complaint as mandated by the High Court.
Ambazari police inspector reprimanded for inaction on noise complaint.
Beat marshal fined Rs 500 for not documenting actions taken.
Court mandates compliance with noise pollution regulations and green cracker sales.
In a significant development regarding noise pollution management in Nagpur, the city's police commissioner has reprimanded the Ambazari police inspector and imposed a fine of Rs 500 on a beat marshal. This action follows a directive from the High Court, which highlighted the failure to maintain proper records concerning a noise complaint lodged on October 11 regarding excessive noise from a construction site. The complaint was submitted via the Noise Free Nagpur portal, prompting the court to request a detailed affidavit from the Ambazari inspector.
The police's response, filed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sandip Pakhale, addressed an order from October 30, which sought comprehensive information about the use of firecrackers, noise levels exceeding 55 decibels, violations related to silencers, and the licensing of dealers. This inquiry is part of ongoing public interest litigations concerning noise pollution, which also encompass issues related to the sale of firecrackers and modified vehicle silencers.
On September 15, a public notice was issued mandating that sellers and wholesalers can only offer green crackers, in compliance with a green tribunal ruling from November 2020. The notice emphasized that Nagpur experiences moderate air pollution, and temporary licenses for cracker sales would not be issued in busy areas such as Sitabuldi Main Road and Mahal Chowk. Additionally, the sale and use of cracker chains have been prohibited.
The affidavit also revealed that police have taken action against ten individuals for violating licensing conditions under Section 223 of the Bombay Police Act. To promote awareness, approximately 363 programs have been conducted, and the public can report complaints around the clock by calling the control room at 9823300100. Furthermore, awareness messages have been disseminated through social media platforms to educate residents about noise pollution regulations.
In a related matter, DCP (Traffic) Aaditya Mirkhelkar reported that six cases were registered at the Sadar police station in September and October concerning violations of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The traffic police have also destroyed 372 modified silencers using a road roller to prevent their reuse in vehicles. Mirkhelkar stated that this destruction was essential to eliminate unauthorized modifications and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
