Latest news with #EnvironmentProtectionAct
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Warning against using loud speakers without permission and at night
The district administration has warned against usage of the public address system without permission and banned cone speakers. In a statement, Collector V. P. Jeyaseelan has said that high decibel sound causes inconvenience to all living beings including humans. It includes noise pollution caused by industrial units that produce high decibel sound, vehicles and loudspeakers used during festivals. Industrial units use equipment to reduce noise pollution. However, loud speakers used during political meetings, festivals and celebrations organised by private individuals cause noise pollution that causes untold suffering to the elderly, students and patients. Hence, in order to regulate the usage of loudspeakers, it has been decided that permission must be obtained from the police to use the public address system in permitted places and at permitted timings with low decibel sound without causing hindrance to the people. Usage of loud speakers has been been prohibited between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Police will initiate criminal action against usage of loud speakers at night, without permission and usage of banned cone speakers. The public address system will be seized and action taken under the Public Health Act and Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Green rule flout: NGT tells PCB to fine HMC
Kolkata: The NGT directed the WBPCB to impose a penalty on Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. It also instructed the board to assess environmental compensation for continued violation of environmental laws within two months. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Eastern Bench of the NGT criticised HMC for failing to submit an action taken report on measures it took to manage the Belgachhia landfill, which collapsed earlier this year, and for not preparing a solid waste management plan. The tribunal directed the HMC commissioner to appear before it in virtual mode at the next hearing. The principal secretary or additional chief secretary of the urban development department was instructed to file an affidavit explaining the steps taken for compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The NGT took suo motu cognizance of the TOI report dated March 24, 2025, on the overburdened Howrah dumpyard. Environment activist Subhas Datta was directed to assist the court as an applicant in the matter. "It is evident there is no proper handling, management, processing, and disposal of solid waste within the HMC jurisdiction, and there is flagrant violation of provisions of SWM Rules," the order said.
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Economic Times
How sand mafia diverted the Yamuna river flow in Sonipat
Illegal sand mining in Asadpur, Sonipat, has diverted the Yamuna. A state report confirms violations by licensed firms exceeding permitted zones. Heavy machinery was used in the river. Unauthorised paths were created, diverting the river's flow. A case has been filed against the licence holder. Political reactions have emerged, criticising the Chief Minister. Suspension of mining operations is demanded. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Illegal paths and lack of markers FIR filed against licence holder Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Political angle emerges Unregulated sand mining in Asadpur village of Haryana's Sonipat district has diverted the Yamuna river from its natural course, according to a field inspection report submitted by the state irrigation and water resources department. The report, compiled on May 22 by a four-member team, found widespread illegal mining despite environmental laws and National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives, a TOI report team, led by superintending engineer R K Bodwal and including executive engineers Ashish Kaushik and Gulshan Kumar, along with sub-divisional officer Himanshu, discovered that licensed firms were operating far beyond permitted zones. The inspection found heavy machinery was being used directly in the flowing stream of the a letter to the chief engineer of Yamuna Water Services (South) in New Delhi, the officials noted that the illegal activity had created several unauthorised access paths. The communication, accessed by The Times of India, said, 'Several unauthorised paths have been created and the river's natural flow has been diverted to facilitate illegal extraction.'The report further highlighted the lack of boundary pillars on the site. Officials said this made it difficult to confirm whether the mining activity was taking place within legally sanctioned in the irrigation department and the Sonipat deputy commissioner's office confirmed the communication. Following the findings, the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau registered a case late Saturday against the company holding the sand mining licence in the area. The company has been accused of large-scale violations within the Yamuna matter has drawn political reactions. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala criticised Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini over the issue. He said, '… at least show some respect to Kanha's (Lord Krishna's) Yamuna.'A senior official from the department said there is growing demand for suspension of mining operations and action against those involved in violations of multiple laws. These include the Environment Protection Act, the Mines and Minerals Act, NGT orders prohibiting the use of machines for sand extraction, and other sand mining guidelines.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Spooked by likelihood of tourists abandoning Goa, state ask Centre to relax sound norms
Panaji: Fearing the state could lose tourists to other countries due to the sound restrictions, chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Monday that Goa would make a representation to Union govt to work out a solution to relax sound restrictions after 10pm. The tourism season, which has come to an end in Goa, will commence in Oct 'Goa, being a state with an economy largely dependent on tourism, often bears the brunt of sound restrictions. Tourists who flock to the state with the aim of partying all night, as well as wedding planners, are often left disappointed with the 10pm sound ban,' said Sawant. 'In order to ensure that tourists are not inclined to go to other countries (instead), we are requesting the Central govt to work out a solution to relax sound restrictions beyond 10pm for events held in outdoor venues,' said Sawant. It has often been reported that locals from the coastal belt often complain about loud music being played in their vicinity, and that this disturbs their peace of mind and their children are unable to study. State govt thus decided to crack down on loud music, and several first information reports (FIRs) were filed against establishments along the coastal belt because of sound pollution. In Jan, with the tourism industry being 'severely hit' by noise pollution norms, Sawant raised the issue with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi, and urged him to bring reforms to create designated zones to allow music beyond 10pm. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025: Steel Suppliers From Mexico At Lowest Prices (Take A Look) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo Sawant explained to the PM how tourism was impacted in the state due to noise pollution rules and demanded a relaxation for music in specific zones to promote tourism. 'We have requested the PM to bring in some reforms in the noise pollution regulation and control rules, 2000, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, so that music can be allowed in designated zones beyond 10pm,' Sawant said. Govt wants relaxation in sound norms to streamline the tourism industry in the state and to increase the footfall of domestic and international tourists to Goa. The high court of Bombay directed state govt to 'strictly ensure' that no outdoor music is played beyond 10pm.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
How sand mafia diverted the Yamuna river flow in Sonipat
Unregulated sand mining in Asadpur village of Haryana's Sonipat district has diverted the Yamuna river from its natural course, according to a field inspection report submitted by the state irrigation and water resources department. The report, compiled on May 22 by a four-member team, found widespread illegal mining despite environmental laws and National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives, a TOI report stated. The team, led by superintending engineer R K Bodwal and including executive engineers Ashish Kaushik and Gulshan Kumar, along with sub-divisional officer Himanshu, discovered that licensed firms were operating far beyond permitted zones. The inspection found heavy machinery was being used directly in the flowing stream of the Yamuna. Illegal paths and lack of markers In a letter to the chief engineer of Yamuna Water Services (South) in New Delhi, the officials noted that the illegal activity had created several unauthorised access paths. The communication, accessed by The Times of India, said, 'Several unauthorised paths have been created and the river's natural flow has been diverted to facilitate illegal extraction.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Algeria: Jewelry On Sale For Half Price! (See Price List) Luxury Jewelry | search ads Undo The report further highlighted the lack of boundary pillars on the site. Officials said this made it difficult to confirm whether the mining activity was taking place within legally sanctioned limits. FIR filed against licence holder Officials in the irrigation department and the Sonipat deputy commissioner's office confirmed the communication. Following the findings, the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau registered a case late Saturday against the company holding the sand mining licence in the area. The company has been accused of large-scale violations within the Yamuna riverbed. Live Events Political angle emerges The matter has drawn political reactions. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala criticised Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini over the issue. He said, '… at least show some respect to Kanha's (Lord Krishna's) Yamuna.' A senior official from the department said there is growing demand for suspension of mining operations and action against those involved in violations of multiple laws. These include the Environment Protection Act, the Mines and Minerals Act, NGT orders prohibiting the use of machines for sand extraction, and other sand mining guidelines.
