Board lacks powers to penalise defaulters

Board lacks powers to penalise defaulters
Archit Watts/TNS

A man covers his ear with his hand in Jammu on Monday. Photo: Inderjeet Singh

Jammu, July 25
The Jammu and Kashmir State Pollution Control Board lacks powers to penalise those responsible for noise pollution. While most of the other states have set up authorities to keep a check on noise pollution, in Jammu and Kashmir it is increasing unhindered.

Rapid deforestation is mainly responsible for the rise in noise pollution in the state. A large number of trees have been axed for road widening. The increasing number of vehicles is also contributing to the rising noise pollution level.

Even doctors say the increasing noise level in public places due to industrial and construction activities, generator sets, loudspeakers, music systems, blowing of horns and other mechanical devices affects the health of people.

The Chairman of the State Pollution Control Board, Lal Chand, said the board had no powers to keep a check on noise pollution. “Yes, there is no authority to keep a check on noise pollution. However, the necessary groundwork has been done and the Noise Pollution Control Authority will be established soon.”

Lal Chand added that, “We have submitted papers at the Civil Secretariat, seeking the delegation of powers to deputy commissioners concerned so that they could act against defaulters (those who create noise pollution) in their respective areas.” He said they had set the standard noise level and that too in the urban areas.

Courtesy: The Tribune