Agartala, Oct 12 (PTI) Tripura Science, Technology and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma on Monday called for stricter enforcement of noise pollution regulations in urban and rural areas, stressing the need for technology-driven monitoring and greater public participation to ensure compliance.
Addressing a sound level meter distribution and demonstration programme organised by the Tripura State Pollution Control Board at Pragna Bhawan here, Debbarma said the success of noise pollution control measures should be assessed by the actual reduction in noise levels rather than the number of monitoring devices distributed.
He said 45 sound level meters had been distributed earlier and another 35 under the current initiative, taking the total to 80. However, the equipment was insufficient to effectively monitor noise pollution across the state, he added.
“Nothing goes without technology. The more technology we use, the stronger our monitoring will become,” the minister said, advocating a larger project to strengthen the monitoring capabilities of the police and pollution control authorities.
Expressing concern over the concentration of enforcement activities in urban areas, Debbarma said residents of rural villages also faced disturbances from loudspeakers used during weddings, religious festivals and other social gatherings, sometimes continuing late into the night.
He urged authorities to extend monitoring to rural areas and implement the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, consistently across Tripura.
The minister said effective enforcement required cooperation among police personnel, political representatives, club organisers, NGOs, community leaders and citizens. He acknowledged the challenges faced by police officers when members of the public opposed restrictions on loudspeakers and sound systems.
“My enjoyment should not be at the cost of someone else’s suffering,” he said, emphasising the need to consider students preparing for examinations, elderly people and patients affected by excessive noise.
Debbarma appreciated the Tripura Police and the Pollution Control Board for their efforts during the previous Durga Puja celebrations, saying sound limiters and enforcement measures had helped improve noise management.
He also called for action against businesses allegedly involved in the illegal sale and modification of vehicle silencers that generate excessive noise, stressing the need to target suppliers alongside violators.
The minister said a cleaner and quieter environment could improve public health, attract tourists and investors, and support the state’s economic growth.
He also congratulated the Pollution Control Board and the Department of Science and Technology on the inauguration of the Dr C V Raman Planetarium at Science City in Agartala.
Debbarma said his department would remain open to innovative proposals for technology-assisted environmental protection initiatives.
He urged citizens to celebrate Durga Puja responsibly while ensuring that noise levels remained within permissible limits.
