Friday, February 25        

Ask any student what's the biggest problem he is facing while preparing for Board exams and pat comes the reply, it's sound pollution. Be it the 50,000 watt hi-fi music system installed at a party lawn or a loud speaker on a pole on the roadside, these devices are the biggest problem for students preparing for the Boards and university exams.

Rahul Bose, who lives just in front of a party lawn, is at his wits end. "I feel disturbed because of this loud music, which has become a routine. It is due to this that I feel unable to concentrate on my studies during night hours. The manager, when contacted, said he cannot undertake losses due to my inconvenience. Now I am planning to shift to my uncle's place to prepare for my exams," complains Rahul a class X student.

It is not only the students who are facing this problem but also those suffering from some illness. Says Rajesh Gupta, "My mother is a heart patient and recently she suffered an angina attack. At present she is getting treated in a hospital. The doctor has advised her complete rest but the problem is there is some religious function going on in a temple, just outside the hospital. Despite the rule that loud speakers cannot be used near hospitals, patients battling for their life have to face sound pollution," rues Rajesh Gupta.

Dheeraj Singh, owner of a prominent party lawn says, "Accusing owners of party places will not be right. In fact we are also part of the society and know that loud sound during party hours disturb the mental peace of students and patients. Taking the Supreme Court ruling into consideration according to which no music can be played in an open place after 10 in the night I don't allow playing of music in the lawn, but I do allow in the banquet hall and that too in a controlled volume."

Meanwhile, ADM city SK Singh says, "Section 144 of IPC has been imposed in the city, under which, no one can use loudspeakers after 10 in the night and those not following instructions can be imprisoned for three months or fined, as per the decision of the judicial authorities. If anyone finds himself troubled due to sound pollution, he can directly complain to me, and immediate action will be taken against the law breaker."

Source: Times News Network