look news india
Kolkata, 31 October (HIST). Kolkata Police has issued strict instructions with the aim of controlling noise pollution in pandals on the occasion of Kali Puja and Diwali. From Thursday to Sunday, guidelines have been given regarding when and in what quantity microphones and sound boxes can be used in puja pandals.
According to the information released by Kolkata Police, the sound level in puja pandals and industrial areas will be limited to 75 decibels from 6 am to 10 pm. The maximum noise limit has been set at 65 decibels in market areas and 55 decibels in residential areas. Areas around hospitals have been declared 'quiet zones', where noise levels should not exceed 50 decibels.
Noise limits have been fixed even at night. From 10 pm to 6 am, the limit has been set at a maximum of 70 decibels in industrial areas, 45 decibels in residential areas and 55 decibels in market areas. In 'quiet areas' the noise limit will be limited to 40 decibels at night.
Apart from this, on Thursday, the day of Kali Puja, microphones and sound boxes can be used only from 7 am to 11 am and from 6 pm to 8 pm. This rule will remain in effect till Sunday. There is also a strict ban on installing any type of sound equipment outside the pandal. If anyone violates these rules, strict action will be taken by the police.
The move is aimed at controlling noise pollution during Kali Puja and Diwali, thereby providing relief to the general public.