DON’T BE DEAFENED OR IRRITATED BY NOISE KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND DEMAND THEM
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- Title
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DON’T BE DEAFENED OR
IRRITATED BY NOISE
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND
DEMAND THEM
- extracted text
-
DON’T BE DEAFENED OR
IRRITATED BY NOISE
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND
DEMAND THEM
CONTACT:
The Bangalore Environment Trust,
166, Langford Road,
BANGALORE - 560 025. Tel: 225515
We u.~. ail suffering from poiiuuon anc muation o:
various kinds. The general feeling is ihat the laws which
have been formulated for our welfare are not being
implemented because of the callousness and inefficiency
of the Police and the Municipal authorities. Let us take a
more constructive view. The enormous increase in
population makes it impossible for the authorities to
perform their duties effectively unless citizens by and large
act responsibly and are prepared to cooperate and help
the officials to discharge their duties, if Bangalore is to
become a pleasant city to live in, the big divide between
the authorities and the people must be bridged. A large
number of people would, we are sure, like to share in the
effort of improving conditions, and we would like to hope
that the BET provides a forum both for voicing your
grievances and participating in the movement to improve
environmental conditions.
The BET has a scheme of Supporters consisting of
individuals who are prepared to assist it in attaining, its
objectives. If you would like to support us, contact the
Administrator to understand what exactly is involved.
When you read this brochure you will find that the laws
leave little to be desired. So, let us get into action to have
them implemented.
G. Govardhan
Administrator
Bangalore Environment Trust
NOISE POLLUTION
AND
WHAT YOU CAN DO
WHAT IS NOISE POLLUTION?
All of us are constantly exposed to sound. Sounds like
the twittering of birds, the rustling of leaves, the gentle
lapping of waves are natural sounds that strike a
responsive chord in most of us. But when even pleasant
sounds become too loud, they become unwanted noise.
Sound levels are measured in decibels (dB). It is a unit for
expressing the relative intensity of sound on a scale from
zero (forthe average least perceptible sound)to about 130
for the average pain level.
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF NOISE
Noise is harmful. Damage caused by noise can range
from the bursting of the eardrum to permanent hearing
loss, cardiac and cardiovascular changes, stress, fatigue,
lack of concentration, deterioration in motor and
psychomotor functions, nausea, disturbance of sleep,
headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, and much more
Pregnant women exposed to high noise levels may be at
risk.
2
SOURCES OF NOISE
A survey carried out in Bangalore by the Bangalore
Environment Trust revealed that the main sources for noise
were:
1.
Road traffic
2.
Use of loudspeakers
3.
Bursting of crackers
4.
Industrial activities
5.
Railways
6.
Aircraft
7.
Radios and T.Vs.
RIGHTS AND REMEDIES
All of us are entitled to live in an environment free from
pollution. Though separate laws have been enacted for air
pollution and water pollution, no separate legislation has
been passed for noise pollution. But under the recently
enacted Environment Protection Act, 1986, the
Government does have the power to curb noise pollution.
However, no rules have yet been framed for enforcing this
aspect of the Act, and citizens must press the authorities
to have this done.
3
But a number of existing laws such as the Karnataka
Police Act, 1963; the Karnataka Municipal Corporations
Act, 1976; the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939; the
Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Code of Criminal
Procedure, have provisions that enable the authorities to
control excessive noise.
The following legislations give adequate protection
from noise pollution. You can make full use of them.
THE KARNATAKA POLICE ACT, 1963,
CHAPTER IV:
Section 31 (1) gives adequate powers to the
Commissioner of Police and the District Magistrate in areas
under their respective charges, to make orders for
regulation of traffic and for preservation of order in public
places. The playing of music, beating of drums, tom-toms
or other instruments and blowing of horns or other noisy
instruments in or near streets or public places can be
stopped. Sub-section (r) (ii) of Section 31 (1) says the
blasting of rock or making excavations in or near streets or
public places; and Sub-section (r) (iii) of Section 31 ( 1)
says the use of a loudspeaker in or near any public place
or in any place of public entertainment can be prevented.
Sub-section (x) (i) of Section 31 (1) empowers the
Commissioner of Police for licensing or controlling with
such exceptions as may be specified, the musical dancing,
4
mimetic, theatrical, or other performances for public
amusement including melas and tamashas.
Section 34 enables the Commissioner or the
Superintendent of Police to delegate some of the powers
resting with them under Section 31 (1) to their subordinate
officials up to the rank of Sub-inspector, for effective
implementation thereof.
It will be apparent from the foregoing that the provisions
in the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, give adequate powers
progressive ly:-
a)
to make rules
b)
to give directions
c)
to frame charges, prosecute and get convicted, and
d)
to arrest without warrant.
These, if judiciously used, with due appreciation of the
fact that noise pollution is not merely a cause of nuisance
but constitutes a potential health hazard, should go a long
way in abatement thereof.
MOTOR VEHICLES ACT, 1939
The Police Department has adequate powers under
the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939, and the Rule 186 of the
Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules (1963) to prohibit the use
of multi-toned horn or any other device giving an unduly
5
harsh, shrill or alarming noise, excepting of course,
ambulances and fire fighters.
THE KARNATAKA MUNICIPAL
CORPORATION ACT, 1976
Under the KMC Act, it is an obligatory duty of the
Corporation to abate all nuisance, including noise
pollution.
CHAPTER XVI : DEFINES NUISANCES,
SECTION 334
Abatement of nuisance from dust, smoke, etc. If in the
opinion of the Commissioner, the storage, dumping or
deposit in any building, or land of coal, charcoal, ashes,
cinders, gunny-bags, wool, cotton or any material, or the
shifting, breaking, cutting or burning of such coal, charcoal,
ashes, cinders or material, or subjecting the same to any
process, causes or is likely to cause nuisance to the
inhabitants in the neighbourhood of such building or land,
by the emanation of dust, floating particles, smoke,
unwholesome smell or noise or otherwise, he may, by
notice, require the owner or occupier of such building or
land to take such steps as may be specified in the notice
for the abatement of such nuisance.
6
CHAPTER XVII : LICENSES AND FEES,
SECTION 355
The Commissioner may issue directions for abatement
of nuisance caused by steam or other power - (1) If, in any
factory, workshop or work-place in which steam-power,
water-power or other mechanical or electrical power is
used, nuisance is, in the opinion of the Commissioner,
caused by the particular kind of fuel used or by the noise
or vibration created, he may issue such directions as he
thinks fit for the abatement of the nuisance within a
reasonable time to be specified for the purpose. (2) If there
has been wilful default in carrying out such directions or if
abatement is found impracticable, the Commissioner may
a) prohibit the use of the particular kind of fuel; or
b) prohibit the working of the factory, workshop or work
place,
i) altogether until such directions have been carried out;
or
ii) between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. or during any
particular time or times between such hours.
SECTION 356 :
Prohibition of use of steam-whistle or steam-trumpet
without permission of the Commissioner.
7
(1) No person shall, without the written permission of
the Commissioner, use or employ in any factory or any
other place, any steam-whistle or steam trumpet for
purpose of summoning or dismissing workmen or persons
employed.
(2) the Commissioner may, at any time, revoke any
permission which he has given for the use of such
instrument as aforesaid, on giving one month’s notice to
the person using the same.
SECTION 358
Power of Commissioner to require owner or occupier
of factory, etc. to discontinue the use of such factory :
Whenever it shall appear to the Commissioner that any
factory, workshop or workplace or any building or any place
in which steam, water or other mechanical power or
electrical power is used, is or is likely to become, by reason
of the employment of such power or by noise or any gas,
vapour, smoke, vibration, dust or other impurity generated
in the course of the work carried on in such place or by any
other cause, a nuisance or danger to the life, health or
property of persons in the neighbourhood, he may, by
written notice, require the owner or occupier of such
factory, workshop, workplace, building or place, to
discontinue the use of such factory or place for any of the
purposes that may be specified in such notice.
8
CHAPTER XIX : RULES,
REGULATIONS AND BYE-LAWS :
SECTION 423
Power to make bye-laws - Sub-section (28) for
stopping, abating or controlling any excessive noise
whether within or outside a building which may amount to
nuisance.
THE CINEMATOGRAPH ACT, 1952
The Central Government, the State Government, and
the District Magistrate, can impose restrictions on the
exhibition of films in any place. Thus, the authorities do
have the power to prohibit the exhibition of cinema films on
the terraces of buildings or in the open, particularly when
these shows are likely to cause undue disturbance to the
neighbourhood.
WHAT YOU CAN DO ?
If you are concerned or troubled by noise pollution and
seek to remedy the situation, the answer is simple - you
must be prepared to act.
First and foremost, examine your own actions and
consider whether you are unnecessarily creating noise
which affects your neighbours and surroundings. You may
9
not have control over all sources of noise, but you can at
least control the noise levels emanating from your own
radio, TV., car, etc. Also don’t buy fire crackers that make
noise - buy only the ones that light up your celebrations.
Persuade your friends and neighbours to do the same.
If you are troubled by obnoxious noise in your
neighbourhood caused by loudspeakers, film shows,
late-night parties, crackers, etc., ring up the Police Control
Room (100) as well as the nearest Police Station. The
telephone numbers of the Police, location-wise, is given on
the last page of this brochure.You are not bound to give
your name and address. To protect you from harassment
by the people against whom you lodge a complaint, the
Police will not disclose the source of the complaint.
Please keep an accurate record of your complaints. If
you phone the Police Control Room, ask for your complaint
’Ticket' number, also get the name and designation of the
officer who answers the phone, as well as the time and
date. If the concerned police officer refuses to act, the
Police Commissioner will then be able to pull up his
recalcitrant official.
Do make sure you mention all the
relevant details in your complaint.
10
NOISE AND SMOKE POLLUTION
FROM MOTOR VEHICLES
Complain to the Regional Transport Commissioner or
the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic). Give the
offending vehicle(s) number(s) and the date, time and
place of offence.
SALE AND USE OF BANNED
CRACKERS (SUCH AS ATOM BOMBS):
If shops in your neighbourhood are selling banned
crackers, call the Police. Remember, it is easier to control
inis nuisance at the point of origin rather than after the
damage has been done and the incriminating evidence
blown up!
AEROPLANE NOISE
If you are seriously concerned with this problem, get
your entire neighbourhood to act. Bombard the Civil
Aviation authorities with letters and force them to ensure
that all aircraft follow noise abatement procedures during
take off and landing. Alternately, get the Airport Authorities
to make night landings so expensive, that airlines might
prefer to re-schedule their flight timings during the day time.
Cl i
Cl e,
i o
L S
I
,
I ,fi
C®t1MUNITY HEM TH CELL
326, V Main, I Block
Koramongala
What happens when the Police fail to respond?
The answer is simple - escalate your campaign. If the
Sub-Inspector on duty refuses to act, see the Station
Inspector; if the Station Inspector refuses to act, write to
the Police Commissioner. If the Police Control Room
refuses to respond, call the Police Commissioner.
If you are worried that revealing your identity will make
you vulnerable to local pressures, ask a friend who lives in
the other end of town to complain on your behalf or write
to a concerned environmental group such as the
Bangalore Environment Trust (BET). You will be surprised
at the impact a letter to the Editor of any of the leading
newspapers has on the lethargic public machinery.
12
FORM ANTI-NOISE COMMITTEES IN
YOUR LOCALITY
When the nuisance is beyond tolerable limits and other
means don't work, file a writ petition in the High Court. The
Bangalore Environment Trust will be glad to help you in
every way. This method has been successful in the past.
Once there is a Court Order, the Police are bound to act,
or face contempt of Court. Contact your local
MP/MLA/Councillor, and bring to his notice the harmful
effects of noise as well as your own particular problem.
Write to the Department of Environment, Government of
India, as well as to the Secretary, Department of Ecology
and Environment, Vidhana Soudha.
OTHER WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN
HELP
If you are interested in helping others besides helping
yourselves, are you prepared to spare your time or your
money or both? If the answer is YES, then please write to
BET 166 Langford Road, Bangalore - 560 025. We will
be very glad to avail of your service in an appropriate
way.
13
DECIBELS (dB)
It is important for citizens to learn the meaning and
implications of decibels. A decibel is a logarithm of the ratio
of sound pressure experienced on the threshold of hearing.
It is a unit for expressing the intensity of sound on a scale
from zero (forthe average least perceptible sound) to about
130 (for the average pain level). Remember that even a
small increase in the value of dB level means a large
increase in terms of sound pressure. For example, the
sound pressure at 120 dB is a hundred times more than at
80 dB. An increase of just 3 dB means there is a doubling
of the sound pressure on your ear drum.
FESTIVALS
Contrary to its original purpose and practices, festivals
are becoming more and more festivals of noise rather than
religious celebrations. Banned types of crackers are freely
sold and used. These are one of the most obnoxious forms
of noise and do immense damage. It is desirable that all
citizens act to curb this noise, firstly by protesting against
the free sale of crackers, and secondly reporting their use
to the Police. Let us make these festivals real joyous
celebrations and not a torture for the majority.
14
DECIBELS (dB)
It is important for citizens to learn the meaning and
implications of decibels. A decibel is a logarithm of the ratio
of sound pressure experienced on the threshold of hearing.
It is a unit for expressing the intensity of sound on a scale
from zero (for the average least perceptible sound) to about
130 (for the average pain level). Remember that even a
small increase in the value of dB level means a large
increase in terms of sound pressure. For example, the
sound pressure at 120 dB is a hundred times more than at
80 dB. An increase of just 3 dB means there is a doubling
of the sound pressure on your ear drum.
FESTIVALS
Contrary to its original purpose and practices, festivals
are becoming more and more festivals of noise rather than
religious celebrations. Banned types of crackers are freely
sold and used. These are one of the most obnoxious forms
of noise and do immense damage. It is desirable that all
citizens act to curb this noise, firstly by protesting against
the free sale of crackers, and secondly reporting their use
to the Police. Let us make these festivals real joyous
celebrations and not a torture for the majority.
14
RELATION BETWEEN SOUND PRESSURE AND dB
0
30-40
50-60
70 —80
90-100
110 —120
100
1000
10,000
1,00,000
10,00,000
1,00,00,000
Bird
Quiet
Typing
Car horn
singing
room
Library
Power
drill
10-20
Study
Aeroplane
taking off
130 -140 dB
The following table is a summary of Recommended Noise Exposure Limit
(World Health Organisation - 1980):
Environment
Recommended
Max - Level
Effects
Indoor/domestic
Night-time
35 dB
Increased awakening at
higher levels.
Indoor/domestic
Day-time
45 dB
Speech communication
deteriorates at higher
levels.
Community/urban
Night-time
45 dB
Community/urban
Day-time
55 dB
Industrial/
Occupational
75 dB
Difficulties in falling
asleep at higher levels
Annoyance increases at
higher levels.
Predictable risk of
hearing impairment at
higher levels.
_____________________
The following are the approved list of crackers
Aeroplanes also known as CHIDIAS OR FIRE-FLIES
containing gunpowder or nitrate mixture in a metal case
not exceeding 25mm in diameter and 15mm length.
16
ALUMINIUM TORCHES
Amorces in the form of caps or tapes for toy pistol
consisting of dots of explosives composition approved by
the Chief Controller and in proportion not exceeding 4.5
grams of composition to every 1000 dots.
NON-BON OR CHRISTMAS CRACKERS.
Containing an explosive of such composition and in
such quantity as may be approved by the Chief Controller.
CHINESE CRACKER having paper shells of size not
exceeding 75mm in length and 15mm in diameter
containing gunpowder nitrate mixture or an explosive
composition approved by the Chief Controller.
COBRA EGGS OF PHARAOH'S SERPENT (WHITE)
“CRACKERS commonly known as ” Atom Bombs"
made with gunpowder nitrate mixture or an explosive
composition approved by the Chief Controller, wrapped up
in a paper and tied round with string the whole not
exceeding 25 grams in weight 40mm in length and 2mm in
diameter or diagonal.
“CRACKERS commonly known as Palm Leaf
Crackers' or Basket Bombs', containing gunpowder,
nitrate mixture or an explosive composition approved by
the Chief Controller and wrapped up in palm leaf or in paper
into triangular shape.
17
DISTRESS SIGNAL ROCKETS.
* FLOWER POTS OR FOUNTAINS
•HAND FIARES
•LANCERS
MAGIC SERPANTf BLACK )
MAGNESIUM TORCHES AND PENCILS
MAROONS containing an explosive composition and
of such construction, size and weight as may be approved
by the Chief Controller.
ROCKET of size not exceeding 76mm in length and
25.4 mm in diameter provided it is not a metal case
•ROMAN CANDLE
"SHELLS provided they are fired from substantial
mortar firmly burried below the ground level.
‘SPARKLERS (including Electric sparklers) each
consisting of a wire having affixed thereto a mixture of
nitrate of barium aluminium powder, magnesium powder,
iron filings, dextrin and gum, the total weight of the
composition so fixed to each such wire not to exceed 22
grammes provided that such sparklers shall be so
constructed as not to allow any hot risidue to become
detached either during, or after combustion.
SQUIBS made with gunpowder or nitrate mixture.
18
LIST OF POLICE STATIONS & OUTPOSTS
Tel No.
1. Gen No PABX
79421
2. Police Exchange:
Ulsoor PABX
569203
3. Adugodi
235795
4. Ashoknagar
576623
5. Banaswadi
562103
6. Banashankari
611375
7. Basavangudi
601121
8. Basaveswara Nagar
353819
9. Bharathinagar
566393
10. Bowring Hospital
574154
11. Byappanahalli
562100
19
12. Byatarayanapura
609038
13. Central
600885
14. Chamarajpet
604478
15. Chickpet
72024
16. Commercial Street
567080
17. Cubbon Park
564026
18. Devarajeevanahalli
566413
19. Fraser Town
567365
20. Gangammanagudi
367234
21. Gavipuram Guttahalli
601176
22. Girinagar
621016
23. H.A.L.
565432
24. H.A.L. (Air Port)
562153
25. H.A.L. Air Port (Security)
79421
26. Hanumanthnagar
608544
27. Hebbal
330907
28. High Grounds
74593
20
29. Indiranagar
567371
30. Jagjeevanramnagar
611241
31 .Jalahalli
363624
32. Jayaprakash Narayan Nagar
640894
33.Jayanagar
608833
34. Jeevan Bheema Nagar
564352
35. Jnanabharathi
79421
36. Kadugondanahalii
565595
37. Kalasipalyam
600195
38. Kamakshipala
352240
39. Kengeri
79421
40. Kengeri (gate)
600675
41. Koramangala
566284
42. KSRTC Out Post
79421
43. Krishnarajapuram
58322
44. Madivala
565028
45. Magadi Road
350483
c0.Wi'7;u.wy
'
32e- V Main, Health cell
1 BIocJc
46.
Mahadevapura
47.
Mahalakshmi Layout
48.
Malleswaram
49.
Market
50.
Mico Layout
51.
Peenya
395919
52.
Rajajinagar
350647
53.
Rajagopalnagar
395644
54.
R.T. Nagar
330460
55.
Regulated Market Yard
366904
56.
Sadashivanagar
345358
57.
Sampangiramnagar
238568
58.
Seshadripuram
364967
59.
Do
60.
Shankarapuram
61.
Shivajinagar
62.
Siddapura
58782
320411
366568
72876
640996
366584
611897
568597
611247
22
63. Silver Jubilee Park Road
237745
64 . Soladevanahalli
394805
65. Sriramapuram
357437
66. Subramanyanagar
322422
67. Subramanyapuram
642089
68. Tharagupet
611290
69. Thyagarajanagar
607868
70. Tilaknagar
641976
71. Ulsoor
574821
72. Ulsoor Gate
237539
73. Upparpet
73367
74. Victoria Hosp. Outpost
79421
75. Vidhana Soudha
79668
76. Vijayanagar
350653
77. Vijayanagar Circle
Inspector's Office
355700
78. Visveswariah Kendra
23
27269
79.
Viveknagar
562003
80.
Vyalikaval
363484
81.
Wilson Gardens
235537
82.
Yelahanka
79421
83.
Yeswanthapur
346572
24
TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE POLICE LOCATION-WISE
Director General
Jurisdiction
Telephone No.
Karnataka Slate
211803
)
79421/200 J
567665
)
569203/244 J
of Police
(AR Nizamuddin)
Off.
Res.
569203/200
Commissioner of
Bangalore City
Off
24501
Police
79421/222
(S N S Murthy)
71366
Res.
79421/444
Dy. Commr. of
Chamarajpet, Basavangudi,
Police, Law & Order
Shankarapuram, Gavipuram-
(Easl)
Gultahalli, Srinagar,
(T Jayaprakash)
Hanumanthnagar, Siddapura,
Thilaknagar, Jayanagar,
Subramanyapura, Banashankari,
J.P. Nagar, Cubbonpet,
Sampangiramanagar,
71583
Silver Jubilee Park, Ashok-
79421/499 J
"I
Oft.
nagar, Wilson Garden,
Madivala, Koramangala,
Adugodi, Cubbon Park Area,
566060
]
569203/223 _)
Res.
Vasanthnagar, Frazer Town,
Kadugondanahalli, Banaswadi,
Devarajeevanahalli, Commercial
Street, Shivajinagar, Bharalhi-
nagar, Ulsoor, Viveknagar,
Indiranagar, Jeevan Bhimanagar,
Byappanahalli, Krishnarajapuram,
Mahadevapura.
Dy. Commr. of
Yeswanthapur, Jalahalli,
Police, Law & Order
Soladevanahalli, Peenya,
Gangammanagudi, Mumreddypalya,
24386
Hebbal, Yelahanka, Malleswaram,
Sadashivanagar, Srirampura,
Rajajinagar, Subramanyanagar,
576157
Mahalaxmi Layout, Kengeri Gate,
569203/224 J
(West)
(Subhash Bharani)
>
79421/223 J
Magadi Road, Jagajeevanramnagar,
Byatarayanapura, Vijayanagar,
West ol Chord Road, Kengeri,
Chickpet. City Market,
Kalasipalyam.
Police Control Room
Bangalore City
]
28373
100
79421/395
255
Off.
)
Res.
HOW MUCH MORE
CAN IT TAKE?
HELP
PREVENT
NOISE
POLLUTION
BHARATELECTRON/CS
Bharat Electronics Limited
Regd. Office: 'Trade Centre’
116/2, Race Course Road. Bangalore 560 001.
Phones: 27251,27322,76639 Telex: 0845-2477 HOBL IN
Grams: 'HOBEL' Fax No. 091-812-258410
not only irritates
but
is harmful to health
W. a. .IIIDHK PRESS
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