
Noise pollution: Local authorities empowered to take direct action
New Delhi: Delhi govt has notified significant amendments to empower local authorities and officers to take direct action under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
It aims to decentralise the enforcement mechanism.Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, "Delhi deserves peace and order—not just on paper but on the ground. With this empowerment of local authorities, we are taking action where it matters—right at the source."Earlier, the list of designated officers included all deputy commissioners, the office of the divisional commissioner, all sub-divisional magistrates, assistant commissioners of police control room, all sub-divisional police officers, including railways and airports, and the chairman and member secretary of DPCC, as well as assistant commissioners of police (traffic).A wide range of officers are now authorised to act against noise pollution violations. Assistant commissioners from municipal corporations and local bodies have also been added. Besides, all deputy commissioners (revenue), all sub-divisional magistrates (revenue), assistant commissioners of police control room, all sub-divisional police officers, scientists and engineers from DPCC, and assistant commissioners of police (traffic) are now empowered to inspect, issue notices, prosecute violators, and take preventive measures directly under the law. tnn

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