NGT takes note of loud music at Mohali resort
The Principal Bench of the statutory body in India, which deals with expeditious disposal of the cases related to environmental protection and other natural resources, has directed the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Chairman to act against the noise pollution.
The NGT Principal Bench, comprising Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and executive member Dr A Senthil, was hearing an application filed by sarpanch Surjit Singh and other members of the gram panchayat of Rampur Kalan village in Mohali against the Sharon Resorts.
In their plea, the villagers said Sharon Resorts regularly hosts commercial events such as weddings, parties, receptions and corporate functions. “These events are often conducted with the use of high-decibel sound systems, DJ music, and loudspeakers, usually extending to early hours of the morning upto 2 to 3 am,” they submitted, while alleging that the resort has indulged in these activities without obtaining the requisite permission from the competent authority and disregarding the norms relating to noise pollution.
The applicants further submitted that though a complaint was made to the PPCB Chairman on March 25, no action has been taken so far.
In its two-page order dated July 8, a copy of which was made available on Thursday, the NGT Principal Bench observed, “Having regard to the nature of grievance which has been raised by the applicants, we are of the view that the spot inspection is required to be carried out by the authority concerned when the event is in progress.”
It noted that the said exercise requires ground verification which can more appropriately be done and the requisite action as provided in the law can be taken, in case, if the violation of environmental norms is found by the PPCB Chairman. “A complaint has already been made to the PPCB Chairman, but the grievance is that the needful has not been done,” the Green Court observed, while asserting that the action on the complaint is required.
“Thus, we dispose of the application directing the PPCB Chairman to duly consider the complaint of the applicant dated March 25, carry out the spot inspection when the event in the premises of Sharon Resorts is in progress, ascertain if there is any violation of the environmental norms, especially the norms relating to the noise pollution and take appropriate remedial and punitive action,” the NGT Principal Bench ordered, while directing the PPCB Chairman to complete the exercise within three months from the date of receipt of copy of this order.
Chandigarh