Dear Editor,
Could you say whether there are ambiguities in the laws pertaining to noise nuisance or is it that the lawlessness perpetrated is just not tackled effectively and with dedication?
Music nuisance continues to be a major irritant to passengers in vehicles, as well as to residents in most areas of the country where the culprits show no respect for the law and blare their music despite many protestations from those affected. The law seems to give a fillip to vehicle owners.
I am at a loss as to why permission is given to dances, barbecues, birthdays, etc, to play music where unacceptable decibel levels torment non-participants, when the law clearly stipulates the constraints to be applied for music to be played in public places. Or is it that my interpretation of the law is incorrect? Is permission being given to break the law when there is a law against noise nuisance?
In years gone by permission was given mostly for weddings, and time limits were respected and/or strictly enforced. It must be noted, however, that it may have been a minor irritant to some as the occasions were seldom and the noise nuisance was minimal as there were no mega sounds slamming the eardrums, inducing headaches, causing the vibration of buildings like minor earth tremors, preventing students from studying and workers and other residents from sleeping or tuning in to preferred music or programmes.
There are also mosques, mandirs, and churches that used amplified systems that are in most cases not needed and disturb others in the immediate environment. No one is immune.
The letter ‘Noise nuisance in Bartica” (SN 11.11.08) is outrageous, and if the law enforcers do not rein in this lawlessness and educate people on the effects of the noise on their hearing, not only will sign language become very common but the effects of the noise generally will demoralize the nation.
When will there be sanity?
Yours faithfully,
M. Sookraj
