Cantonment locals warned against excess sound pollution

Hyderabad: Flooded with innumerable complaints by locals against noise pollution, the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) on Friday resolved to penalise violations while using loudspeakers, public address systems, and bursting of crackers. The board emphasised on restricting noise levels during private events, religious processions and weddings to within the air quality standards.

Acknowledging that there was a constant flurry of complaints, the board members warned of imposing hefty penalties in case of any violation. Owners of marriage halls or the organisers of processions will be held responsible if the permissible noise levels exceed the stipulated limits, said Brig. Abhijit Chandra, president of the cantonment board.

Violators will be penalised with Rs 10,000 for the first offense while a repeat will attract a fine of Rs 25,000. A third time violation will result in sealing the premises and the equipment for seven days. According to government norms, the decibel levels in residential areas should not exceed 55 during the day and 45 after 10 pm.