The Delhi chief secretary has directed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to meet with the relevant ministries in a month to discuss the suggestions of a joint committee led by a former judge of the Delhi High Court to reduce noise pollution.

The CS has been instructed by the tribunal to issue the proper statutory and administrative orders, designate the responsible parties for the actions to be taken and provide an ‘action taken’ report within two months. According to data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), most stations are recording noise levels that are above average.

As per the NGT instructions 244 sound level meters were distributed to ACPs, sub-divisions, and SHOs, but used to a very little extent, further a request for the Delhi environment department to grant authority to all SHOs in the city is still pending.

The committee recommended creating a task force at the proper level, most likely at police stations, to effectively enforce noise standards. For noise pollution, nodal officials should be assigned, and they shouldnt be regularly changed to ensure continuity. Additionally, Intelligent Traffic Management Systems should be put in place to guarantee open traffic flow, limit idle vehicle noise, and strictly enforce "no-honking" and "silent" zones. The panel also stressed finalizing the DPCCs proposed criteria for construction projects. (ETHealthWorld, July 21, 2022)