The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday issued notice to the environment ministry of Haryana government, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) seeking clarification on a noise pollution plea filed by a resident.
The green tribunal was hearing a plea from a resident regarding noise pollution and misuse of the green area in Sector 70.
The complainant, Somika Chandhok, in her plea to the NGT on January 28 said the central park that spreads across half acre at the GPL Eden Heights is a dedicated green area but it was being used for commercial purposes, including DJ night and dandia feast. Chandhok alleged that the activities are affecting the green cover and creating noise pollution. It is a violation of Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000, the plea stated.
“Noise Pollution is being caused due to use of loud speakers, DJ systems, music systems and amplifiers during regular public functions and events that are being arranged in the Central Green Park, which is clearly described as a landscaped area in the layout plan sanctioned by the Town and Country Planning, Haryana,” Chandhok, said.
Jai Gupta, the advocate of the petitioner said the petition has been moved to the green tribunal. “The events and festivals are being organised in the green area even past midnight without taking due permission from the authorities,” he said.
The bench headed by Jawad Rahim will hear the matter on March 20. The NGT has directed the civic bodies and the state government to reply within two weeks.
The complainant, who is a resident of GPL Eden Heights, in her plea has also sought a stay on commercial use of the park.
A resident of the society who has been organising events at the central park, said, “We organise only five events in a year, including Independence Day and Republic Day, with permission from the district administration. We suspect that the complaint to the NGT is because of some vested interest in the club owned by the developer.”
An official of the HSPCB said the pollution watchdog will investigate the matter and file the report before the NGT in two weeks. “For a residential area, the noise shouldn’t exceed 55 decibels. We will take necessary steps in the case,” the official said.
