Deputy Commissioner of Noklak, P Mono Khiamniungan has issued an order for the strict enforcement of noise pollution regulations in the district, prescribing penalties for violations to protect public health and maintain peace and tranquility.

The notification directs immediate compliance by the general public, event organisers, institutions and business establishments.

Under the order, prior written permission from the Deputy Commissioner is mandatory for the use of loudspeakers and public address systems. The use of loudspeakers between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, particularly in areas notified as silence zones, has been strictly prohibited. Violators will be fined Rs 10,000, and the equipment will be seized.

The order also mandates that diesel generator (DG) sets comply with the prescribed noise standards under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. Violations involving DG sets up to 62.5 KVA will attract a fine of Rs 10,000 along with sealing of the generator. DG sets ranging from 62.5 KVA to 1000 KVA will invite a Rs 25,000 fine and sealing, while those above 1000 KVA will be penalised with a Rs 1 lakh fine and sealing.

The operation of sound-emitting construction equipment during night hours (10:00 pm to 6:00 am) in residential areas and silence zones has also been prohibited. Violators will face a Rs 50,000 fine and seizure or sealing of the equipment.

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The order further prohibits the bursting of firecrackers in silence zones and during prohibited night hours. It reiterated the time limits prescribed by the Supreme Court for the use of firecrackers—Diwali (8:00 pm to 10:00 pm), Gurpurab (4:00 am to 5:00 am and 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm), and Christmas and New Year (11:55 pm to 12:30 am).

Individuals violating the firecracker regulations will be fined between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000, while event organisers of marriages, rallies and religious programmes will face penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. Banquet halls and open grounds found violating the rules may be fined between Rs 20,000 and Rs 1 lakh, depending on the frequency of offences, with sealing of the premises where applicable.

The notification warned that repeated violations would lead to the permanent withdrawal of permission to operate the equipment or premises, in addition to any other legal action permissible under law.

The Deputy Commissioner has directed the police and all designated enforcement authorities to maintain strict vigil and immediately impose the prescribed penalties on violators.