Noise pollution is unwanted human-created sound that disrupts the environment. Noise pollution can be caused by many sources including highways, vehicles,police cars, ambulances, factories, concerts, music, air-conditioners, engines, machine, aircraft, helicopters, alarms, public address systems, industrial development and construction work. In general, noise pollution refers to any noise irritating to one's ear which comes from an external source. The word "noise" comes the Latin word "nausea" meaning seasickness.
This PIL was filed in the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi. The petition relates to the pollution caused by the crackers during the festivals like Diwali, Dusshera etc. The busting of crackers not only causes noise pollution but also air pollution besides heap of garbage is also accumulated in that day. Although authorities have been taking measures for controlling the pollution as directed by the Hon'ble High Court from time to time. Various meetings had also been conducted to get the relief. The standards for the fire crackers had been notified No.GSR 682(E), dated Oct.5, 1999. That the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi directed that: -
Notification No.GSR 682(E), dated October 5,1999 shall be strictly complied with.
Fire crackers generating noise level exceeding 125 dB(01) of 145dB at 1 meters distance from the point bursting shall not be manufacture.
For individual fire cracker constituting the series (Joined fire crackers), the aforesaid limit shall be reduced by 51(N) dB, where N = number of crackers joined together.
From 1st November,2000, the manufacturer shall specify and record the noise level on the cracker itself.
Use of fire-works shall not be permitted on Dussehra, Diwali and other festivals including festivities except between 6.00 P.M to 11.00 P.M.
Fire-works shall not be used in the areas designated as silence zones.
Fire-works shall not be used near hospitals and nursing homes.
People should be educated and made aware of the ill-effects air and noise pollution caused by the indiscriminate use of fireworks. For this purpose, Doordarshan and other TV channels should show quickies, on prime time, for at least five times a day. During the fortnight before Dussehra and Diwali, Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shall also give appropriate advertisements through newspapers. Besides All India Radio should broadcast appropriate messages on prime time on FM and other frequencies for circulation of the information in this regard.
CPCB and CDP(Licensing) shall prepare slides/films fir showing adverse consequences of air and noise pollution and shall be shown/screened in all cinema halls of Delhi before all the daily shows.
Steps should be taken by the managements of all schools in Delhi to educate students about the ill-effects of air and noise pollution.
Manufacture, Sale and use of rockets, maroons and atom bombs of a noise level higher than the one prescribed in Notification No.GSR 682(E), dated October 5,1999 shall not be permitted.