The Bombay High Court today asked Maharashtra government to confer power on its officers to take action against those found guilty of violating noise pollution laws during the forthcoming religious festival celebrations in the state.
In a related development, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation informed the High Court in an affidavit that it had framed a new policy to monitor noise pollution rules and setting up of religious pandals (temporary structures) in public places and on roads and footpaths during festivals.
The HC was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Mahesh Bedekar from neighbouring Thane district raising concern over the nuisance created by various organisers of religious festivals with regard to noise pollution and setting up of pandals on streets and footpaths.
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A bench headed by Justices Abhay Oka also asked the state government to ensure that two days before a festival, wide publicity be given in the media notifying names of officers along with their telephone numbers and mail address with whom people can lodge their grievances or complaints.
The matter has been posted for hearing on August 12.
The order assumes significance in view of forthcoming festivals such as Ganeshotsav, Navratri, Dussehra and Deepawali which are celebrated in a big way by people in the state.
BMC filed an affidavit stating that it had decided not to allow pandals more than 30 feet in height. Also, those pandals having 25 feet height or more would have to compulsorily go in for a structural audit to make sure that they are strong and would not collapse, the civic body said.
BMC also said that the organisers would have to seek the permission of police and traffic authorities before setting up pandals. If they fail to remove the garbage, a fine of Rs 100 would be levied on defaulting parties and another Rs 2000 would be charged for not filling up holes dug up in the ground to set up wooden support for the pandals.
