In a concerted effort to address the persistent issue of noise pollution in the bustling Hauz Khas village area of New Delhi, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) with a proposal for collaborative action.
The DPCC has urged the NGT to establish a joint committee comprising officials from various government bodies to conduct comprehensive inspections and ensure compliance with noise pollution regulations. The primary objective of this joint initiative is to conduct fresh inspections at Hauz Khas village to accurately determine the total number of restaurants, pubs, and eateries operating in the area. Additionally, the committee will assess their compliance with noise pollution norms, with strict fines to be imposed if decibel levels exceed permissible limits. Recent reports submitted by the DPCC to the NGT have highlighted several concerns regarding noise pollution and regulatory compliance in the area. In one instance, three restaurants were sealed for operating without valid consent. Furthermore, discrepancies were noted between the number of eateries identified by different agencies, necessitating a reconfirmation of the total establishments present.
To address these discrepancies and ensure effective enforcement of noise pollution regulations, the proposed joint committee will include representatives from the revenue department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), DPCC, Delhi Police, and Delhi Fire Services. Under the coordination or chairmanship of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Hauz Khas, this committee will conduct thorough inspections and measure noise levels at all identified establishments. This collaborative approach follows previous enforcement actions, including fines imposed on restaurants that failed to meet noise norms during inspections conducted last year. By pooling resources and expertise, the DPCC and NGT aim to establish a more rigorous and effective regulatory framework to address noise pollution issues in Hauz Khas village, ensuring a quieter and more conducive environment for residents and visitors alike.