The Wokha district administration of Nagaland has issued an order for strict enforcement of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, in line with directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB). The order, issued under the “Polluter Pays” principle, highlights a scale of compensation for violations and calls for immediate compliance by the general public, event organizers, and businesses to safeguard public health and maintain peace and tranquility in the district. As per the order, the use of loudspeakers and public address systems requires written permission from the district administration. Their use at night (from 10 pm to 6 am) or in designated silence zones is strictly prohibited, with violators facing a fine of Rs 10,000 and immediate seizure of equipment.
Diesel generator (DG) sets must comply with prescribed noise standards, with penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 for sets up to 62.5 KVA, Rs 25,000 for sets between 62.5 and 1000 KVA, and Rs 1,00,000 for sets above 1000 KVA, along with sealing of the equipment. Sound-emitting construction equipment is banned during nighttime in residential areas and silence zones, with violators liable to a fine of Rs 50,000 and seizure of equipment. Firecrackers are strictly prohibited in silence zones and during night hours. The order reiterates the Supreme Court’s prescribed time limits for bursting firecrackers: Diwali (8 pm to 10 pm), Gurpurab (4 am to 5 am and 9 pm to 10 pm), and New Year and Christmas (11:55 pm to 12:30 am).
Penalties for violations range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 for individuals and households, Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 for event organizers, and Rs 20,000 to Rs 1,00,000 for banquet halls and open ground functions, with repeated offenses leading to sealing of premises. The order further stipulates that fines will be doubled for second violations and tripled for third violations, followed by permanent withdrawal of permission to operate equipment or premises. The district police and designated enforcement authorities have been directed to maintain strict vigil and impose penalties without exception. The district administration informed that the order comes into immediate effect and urged all stakeholders to adhere to the regulations to ensure a healthier and more peaceful environment in the district.
