HC seeks govt reply on noise pollution

PATNA: A division bench of acting chief justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari and justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh of Patna high court on Wednesday directed the state government to file its reply by Thursday in a PIL related to increased noise pollution in Bihar. If the government fails to do so, the chief secretary will have to appear in person before the court.
Petitioner Samir Kumar has alleged that noise pollution has increased in Bihar, threatening the health and welfare of people. The most common sources of noise pollution are loudspeakers, siren, motor vehicles. aircraft and industrial machinery.
The petitioner has pleaded that noise pollution causes annoyance and aggression, hypertension, high stress level, tinnitus, hearing loss, sleep disturbances and other harmful effects. Stress and hypertension are the leading causes of health problems whereas tinnitus can lead to forgetfulness, severe depression and, at times, panic attacks.
As per current law, the noise level at market places between 6am and 10pm should be below 65 decibels (dB). During Dussehra, Bihar State Pollution Control Board had monitored noise pollution level at 65 different locations in Patna for three days and all exceeded the specified level.
Encroachment removal: Justice Ansari and Justice Singh on Wednesday reserved its order in a PIL related to removal of encroachers from the Patna university premises.
Petitioner Vikash Chandra alias Guddu Baba alleged encroachments still exist on the Patna University premises. These cause inconvenience to students and teachers.
Report sought from Aurangabad DM: Justice Ansari and Justice Singh, while hearing a PIL on the alleged irregularities in the purchase of dress and cycles by Balika Uchh Vidyalaya, Patarkati, Aurangabad, on Wednesday directed the Aurangabad DM to submit a report on it by January 4.
The PIL was filed by Ashok Kumar. He also stated that Aurangabad DM had earlier formed a four-man committee to look into the issue, but, till date, the report has not been submitted and no action has been taken.