Activist raises issue, writes to police

PUNE: Anti-noise campaigner Dr Taramati Pathak has written to various authorities in the city in an effort to ensure that no firecrackers are burst in residential societies. Pathak has pointed out that, according to a Supreme Court ruling, the activity is illegal. According to a order by the court, passed in July 2005, bursting firecrackers is only allowed between 6am and 10pm, and not after that time, stated Pathak.In addition, it is absolutely illegal to burst firecrackers within 100 metres of a silence zone. "The noise traumatizes the elderly, and the young alike," she stated. TNN
Silence zones are areas that house educational institutions, hospitals and other such institutes, where those patients, or children, or the elderly stay. Hence these areas are not to be disturbed by any high noise, as per the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000.
Pathak has also filed multiple petitions in the Bombay HC regarding the issue in residential areas. In response to one of her petitions, HC bench of Justices AS Oka and CV Bhadang had ruled that as per provisions of an HC order from 2010, the police have to ensure that complaints are taken for any calls made regarding Noise Pollution Rules violations.
"If the officers fail to take action in accordance with law … appropriate action can be initiated against the erring police officers," the bench had noted in its order dated March 1, 2016.