From Our Correspondent
TURA, Sep 24: Former South Tura MLA John Leslee K Sangma has written to the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, urging measures to minimise noise pollution during the upcoming Durga Puja immersion procession.
In his appeal addressed to the DC on Tuesday, Sangma, while citing the inconvenience caused to the public and newborn infants at the Maternity and Child Hospital (MCH), referred to specific prohibitory rules and norms regarding loud noises near hospitals and urged the district administration to comply with them.
“We all know, within 100 meters of hospitals, specific noise producing activities are prohibited to maintain a peaceful environment. However, on August 31 this year, this law was violated during the Ganesh Puja immersion procession for which the District Administration gave permission without any direction or condition and has thereby failed to uphold the law of the land. The noise of loud music and beating of drums was above 110 decibels which is 60 decibels above the permissible limit of 50 decibels. The standing law was violated in full presence of the Police who were all there to maintain law and order giving security cover to the procession,” Sangma alleged in the appeal.
Pointing out that the CPC and the district administration had failed to follow the law of the land on that occasion, Sangma suggested rerouting this year’s Durga Puja procession—starting from Parade Ground via Tura Bazar, Rikman (to avoid Police Hospital), through the SP Office and DC Court to the immersion site.
“If the same route is used, there should be ‘silence zone’ banners set up immediately after crossing Hawakhana Petrol Pump till Old Circuit House junction.
The Puja Mandap Committee, not the CPC, should be held accountable for any violation and no sound system should be allowed in vehicles without permission. Permission should not be given for pandals on public (PWD) roads and puja-related constructions should not create any obstruction to traffic and the general public,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sangma also sought action against a contractor tasked with renovation works near the hospital, alleging that the use of a hammer drill was causing disturbances to patients at the facility.
