Bhopal's Loudspeakers Silenced by NGT Order

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated that authorities in Bhopal must immediately address and control excessive noise generated by 'smart traffic' loudspeakers. The tribunal issued directives to discontinue, disconnect, or regulate public announcement systems that operate without proper permission, exceed permissible decibel limits, or are situated within 100 meters of sensitive locations like hospitals, courts, and educational institutions.

This ruling stems from a plea highlighting widespread noise pollution caused by amplified traffic advisories. The NGT emphasized that the right to life, as per Article 21, includes the right to live with dignity in a pollution-free environment. The court noted that while individuals have the right to speech, others have the right to decline listening, rejecting any claim to trespass on others' auditory space.

Further instructions were given for the State Pollution Control Board to conduct comprehensive noise monitoring, including noise mapping and acoustic surveys. The board is also tasked with developing a Standard Operating Procedure for these traffic announcement systems, specifying permissible timings, sound intensity, and grievance redressal mechanisms. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 17.