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Despite there being clear and precise rules concerning noise pollution, a parent of a young child narrated to me the traumatic, sorrowful and shattering experience faced by his son during his examinations because of the unauthorized use of amplified music by the organizers of a 'Rave party'. Incidentally, the Supreme Court some years back had observed: "In our view, in a civilized society, activities which disturb old or infirm persons, students, or children having their sleep in the early hours or during day-time or other persons carrying on other activities cannot be permitted. It should not be forgotten that young babies in the neighbourhood are also entitled to enjoy their natural right of sleeping in a peaceful atmosphere. A student preparing for his examination is entitled to concentrate on his studies without their being any unnecessary disturbance by the neighbours. Similarly, old and infirm are entitled to enjoy reasonable quietness during their leisure hours without there being any nuisance of noise pollution. Aged, sick, people afflicted with psychic disturbances as well as children up to 6 years of age are considered to be very sensible to noise. Their rights are also required to be honoured." The rules under the 'Environment (Protection) Act, 1986' clearly state that loudspeakers or public address systems or any forms of loud music shall not be used except after obtaining written permission from the authority (and even then not exceeding the volumes prescribed under the limits) and shall not be used at night (between 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. except in closed premises for communication within, e.g. auditoria, conference rooms, community halls and banquet halls). A study that appeared in 'Science Today' pointed out how noise pollution could lead to serious nervous disorders, emotional tension leading to high blood-pressure, cardiovascular diseases, increase in cholesterol level resulting in heart attack and strokes and even damage to foetus. People, old or babies or even the ill, are unfortunately being made captive audience to sounds that can have adverse effects on their physical and mental conditions simply because the concerned authorities allow their palms to be greased by greens. It is time the Government tackles this issue more seriously. Sandeep Heble Panaji-Goa
