NGT Forms Panel to Address Noise Pollution Concerns in Hauz Khas Area

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a panel to authenticate the factual scenario and undertake corrective measures concerning specific eateries and bars causing noise pollution in the Hauz Khas area of Delhi.

The tribunal also observed that the steps taken by the relevant authorities, including the imposition of environmental compensation, seem to be insufficient.

The NGT was hearing a plea asserting that certain “erring establishments” in Hauz Khas were responsible for “intolerable noise pollution”. The plea alleged that the entire Hauz Khas Village region had become a major hub of noise pollution in Delhi. It claimed that the inhabitants of the area, including infants and senior citizens, were exposed to various health risks due to noise pollution. They were unjustly deprived of their fundamental right to an environment free from pollution, peaceful living, sound sleep, comfort, and tranquility within their residences, safeguarded from excessive sound or noise pollution.

A bench of judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Afroz Ahmad took note that the tribunal had previously sought a response from the concerned authorities in April. After reviewing the action-taken reports submitted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of Hauz Khas, the bench highlighted that several restaurants were fined Rs 10,000 each for violating the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules.

It,however expressed, “The imposed environmental compensation and the measures taken for redressal seem inadequate considering the alleged extent of environmental pollution and harm caused to local residents.” The bench deemed it fitting to establish a joint committee to validate the actual situation and implement suitable corrective measures. Therefore, a joint committee comprising the SDM (Hauz Khas) and representatives from the DPCC and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was constituted. The committee was instructed to convene within two weeks, conduct site visits, address the applicant’s grievances, involve the applicant and the concerned project proponents’ representatives (the establishments), validate the factual status, and undertake suitable remedial measures.

“The DPCC shall act as the central agency for coordination and compliance. It is also directed to submit a report regarding the collection of environmental compensation by the SDM (Hauz Khas) from the violators and a proposal for its utilization,” the tribunal directed.

The green panel stated that the committee must submit a report on the actions taken within two months. The matter is scheduled for further proceedings on November 6,2023.