The Deputy Commissioner of Kohima has issued a comprehensive order enforcing strict regulations on noise pollution across the district, tightening controls on loudspeakers, public address systems, firecrackers and sound-emitting equipment in line with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and directives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The order, which comes into force with immediate effect, introduces zonal noise limits for industrial, commercial, residential and silence areas, with clearly defined maximum permissible levels measured in dB (A) Leq.
Industrial areas have been capped at 75 dB during the day and 70 dB at night. Commercial areas are limited to 65 dB in the day and 55 dB at night, while residential zones are restricted to 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night. Silence zones — defined as areas within 100 metres of hospitals, schools and courts – will have the strictest limits of 50 dB in the day and 40 dB at night.
The order imposes a blanket restriction on the use of loudspeakers, public address systems, drums and amplifiers between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, except inside closed auditoriums where sound does not escape.
It also directs that all diesel generator (DG) sets must be fitted with acoustic enclosures to reduce noise pollution.
Firecracker use has similarly been regulated, with bursting prohibited between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Only “green crackers” will be permitted during designated festival periods.
The order places significant responsibility on venue owners, stating that operators of marriage halls, hotels, community centres and open grounds will be jointly liable for violations occurring on their premises. They must also ensure that event organizers obtain valid noise permits from the district administration before using sound systems.
Enforcement provisions under the order include penalties and environmental compensation as per NGT-approved norms. Use of loudspeakers or public address systems in violation will attract a fine of Rs 10,000 along with confiscation of equipment.
DG set violations will carry penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000, while large industrial DG sets may be fined up to Rs 1 lakh, with provisions for sealing of equipment. Use of construction machinery beyond permissible limits will attract a Rs 50,000 fine and seizure of equipment. Repeat violations at fixed premises may lead to penalties ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 1 lakh along with sealing of premises.
Administrative Officers and Sub-Divisional Police Officers of respective circles have been designated as enforcement authorities, empowered to seize equipment, seal premises and recover environmental compensation from violators.
The Deputy Commissioner’s order follows increasing concerns over noise pollution in urban and semi-urban areas and aligns district enforcement with national regulatory standards.