The Wokha District Administration has issued an order enforcing the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, in line with directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB). Issued under the “Polluter Pays” principle, the order prescribes a scale of compensation for violations and calls for immediate compliance by the public, event organisers and businesses to safeguard public health and maintain peace in the district.
As per the order, the use of loudspeakers and public address systems requires prior written permission from the district administration. Their use between 10 pm and 6 am or in designated silence zones is prohibited. Violators will face a fine of Rs 10,000 and seizure of equipment. Diesel generator sets must comply with prescribed noise standards, with penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 for sets up to 62.5 KVA, Rs 25,000 for those between 62.5 and 1000 KVA, and Rs 1,00,000 for sets above 1000 KVA, along with sealing of equipment.
Sound emitting construction equipment is banned at night in residential areas and silence zones, with a fine of Rs 50,000 and seizure for violations. Firecrackers are prohibited in silence zones and during night hours, with time limits fixed for specific occasions.
The order states that fines will double for second violations and triple for third violations, followed by withdrawal of permission. Police and enforcement authorities have been directed to ensure strict implementation.