The state government informed the Bombay High Court on Monday that this year, all police stations in Maharashtra will be equipped with decibel meters to keep a check on Ganpati pandals flouting noise pollution rules.
Government pleader Abhinandan Vagyani told the court that an order to procure 1,843 decibel meters has already been placed with a United Kingdom (UK) company, and the meters will be supplied by August-end. A budgetary allocation of Rs32 crore has been made for the purpose, and as per the contract, the company will provide a three-year warranty and maintenance.
The statement was made during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Thane resident Mahesh Bedekar, who had raised concerns about flouting of noise pollution rules and norms during festivals.
Earlier, a division bench of justices Abhay Oka and A A Sayed was not satisfied as records indicated that a total of 600 decibel meters had been ordered. Vagyani then clarified to the court that the rest of the meters had already been procured and the details of the purchases will be placed on record.
The court had earlier issued a notice under Contempt of Courts Act to additional chief secretary (Home) KP Bakshi for not following court orders in acquiring noise decibel meters. The bench had said, “This is in complete defiance of the court orders. It shows that the government does not want to implement noise pollution rules. It is common sense that without decibel meters the officers will not be able to record violations and take necessary follow-up action.”
In January, the court had directed the government to acquire around 1,843 decibel meters within three months, to assist policemen in the state check noise pollution rules. The court has kept the notice pending and posted the matter for further hearing two weeks later.
