Karnataka Govt To Form Teams, Will Check Violation In Loudspeaker Row

Karnataka government on Tuesday banned the use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am amid a raging debate over loudspeakers. After which Environment & Ecology minister, Anand Singh said, "Special teams will conduct surprise visits at sites where loudspeakers are installed to check violation.

The Karnataka State Minister said, "Appropriate action will be taken against all those found violating decibel standards while using loudspeakers."

Karnataka government on Tuesday banned the use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am amid a raging debate over loudspeakers. After which Environment & Ecology minister, Anand Singh said, "Special teams will conduct surprise visits at sites where loudspeakers are installed to check violation." He further added, "Appropriate action will be taken against all those found violating decibel standards while using loudspeakers."

On the other hand, Karnataka Home Minister Mr. Araga Jnanendra, also warned action for use of loudspeakers between 10 pm to 6 am and also asked to take permission by the authority to use speakers pertaining to decibels. He said, "After 15 days, action will be taken as per the law if at all the permission has not been taken by any of the loudspeakers using authority on any premises. We will remove the loudspeakers and case will be filed against such people."

Karnataka government said that a loudspeaker or a public address system shall not be used except after obtaining written permission from the designated authorities. The notice issued on the 10th of May, read, "A loudspeaker or a public address system shall not be used at night (between 10.00 pm to 6.00 am) except in closed premises for communication within e.g., auditoria, conference rooms, community halls and banquet halls."

The circular cited the Supreme Court order which has said that the noise level at the boundary of the public place, where a loudspeaker or public address system or any other noise source is being used shall not exceed 10 dB(A) above the ambient noise standards for the area or 75 dB(A) whichever is lower.

"The State Government hereby reiterates that the Government order...under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 are to be strictly followed and enforced for Regulation of Noise Pollution from loudspeakers/public address system and sound-producing instruments," it read.

The loudspeaker row is being a matter of cocern, raising issues in various states of India. In regard to this, the Karnataka Government issued a notice and banned usage of loudspeaker between 10:00 P.M., to 6:00 A.M.