High Court Asks Cuttack DCP To File Affidavit Regarding Steps Taken For Curbing Noise Pollution During Festive Season
The Orissa High Court has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cuttack to file an affidavit indicating the steps taken by it to prevent noise pollution in the city of Cuttack during the upcoming Durga Puja festivities.
Raising serious concern over the issue of noise pollution, the Division Bench of Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice V. Narasingh observed:
“It is vital to address the issue of sound pollution during festivals by advocating for responsible celebrations, using protective measures and spreading awareness about the consequences of excessive noise and thereby we can strike a balance between celebrating the traditions and preventing the deterioration of health of citizens and the environment. The spirit of festival should not be drowned in the sea of sound.”
The Bench was hearing a suo moto writ petition to address the civic issues faced by the public in the city of Cuttack. Apart from several other issues discussed during the hearing, the Court underlined the hazards of noise pollution during festivals.
“Noise pollution is a common issue during festivals and can have a number of negative effects on people and the environment. It creates health issues, sleep disturbances and stress and it also affects the academic performances of the students.”
The Court gave due importance to the concerns raised by the members of the Bar, including the President of the High Court Bar Association Bijay Kumar Dash, that the State authorities lack in taking effective steps to curb noise pollution during festivities at different Puja Mandaps, cultural programs and immersion processions etc.
“Festivals are an essential part of our cultural fabric and each one should enjoy it without compromising the well-being of others,” the Court emphasized.
To strike a balance between the celebration of festivals as well as the well-being of health, the Court asked the DCP to apprise it about the steps taken for effective prevention of noise pollution in the city.
The members of the Bar also expressed concern over the safety of citizens in view of the construction of huge puja mandap gates and pandals on the public roads and footpaths and the erection of electric gates without any proper safety measures.
“Let the D.C.P., Cuttack file an affidavit indicating whether there is any guideline on the above aspects, whether prior permission is taken for such construction and what safety measures are taken by each puja committee and whether no objection certificates are issued by taking into account all the safety measures,” the Bench ordered.
It also asked the Fire Officer, Cuttack to file an affidavit indicating the instructions given, if any, to all the puja committees to adhere to the fire safety norms.
Furthermore, the Court directed the DCP to file an affidavit regarding steps taken for traffic management and provision for parking spaces near puja mandaps.
Case Title: Registrar (Judicial), Orissa High Court, Cuttack v. State of Odisha & Ors.
Case No: Suo Motu W.P.(C) PIL No. 2140 of 2020
Date of Order: September 12, 2024
Counsel for the Petitioner: Er. N.K. Mohanty, Amicus Curiae
Counsel for the Respondents: Mr. Jyoti Prakash Patnaik, Government Advocate; Mr. Debasis Nayak-A, Addl. Govt. Advocate & Advocate for CMC; Mr. Bijay Kumar Dash, Advocate & President of Orissa High Court Bar Association; Mr. Dayananda Mohapatra, Advocate for C.D.A.