Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA, Nov 18: The recently concluded Cherry Blossom Festival has sparked fresh controversy, with BJP’s Meghalaya general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna questioning whether the event flouted court-mandated noise regulations.
The two-day festival was held at JN Stadium in Polo on November 14 and 15.
There is growing public disquiet over the late-night music that echoed across the capital.
Speaking on the matter, Pohshna said, “I am sure permission is required for every public event. Such permissions specify a 10 pm deadline for any activity that generates noise.”
He said people are asking whether the event was allowed to continue beyond the 10 pm stipulated time. “If it continued till 12:30 am, the question is how that was possible when there is a court ruling,” he wondered.
The court’s permissible time limit for outdoor events using loudspeakers is capped at 10 pm. What remains unclear, however, is whether permissions were granted to extend the concert past midnight.
The BJP leader asked why the concert was not stopped at 10 pm or so when music was played beyond permissible time.
As questions mount, the spotlight is on the district administration. Pohshna alleged the administration failed to enforce the law.
Ex-MLA seeks MSPCB action against govt
Former South Tura MLA and now resident of Mawlai, Mawroh in Shillong, John Leslee K Sangma, who earlier accused the state government of violating the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, during the Cherry Blossom festival, lodged a complaint with the Chairman of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board on Tuesday.
“Though the programme was organised with a good intention, the organisers had violated the standing law enacted in public interest to uphold the fundamental rights of the citizens as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution,” Sangma wrote in his complaint.
He accused the district administration of failing to uphold the law stating that it failed to act even after complaints by citizens.
Even the Hynniewtrep Youth Council also lamented the excessive noise generated from JN Stadium during the festival.
HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem said over the past few days, several residents have reported significant inconvenience caused by loud music, late-night activities, traffic congestion, and improper crowd management associated with the event.
“Such disturbances have affected daily routines, rest hours, and overall quality of life for families, students, elderly citizens, and working professionals living near JN Stadium,” he said.
Referring to the claims of the state government that such events contribute to the state’s vibrancy and economy, the HYC cautioned that these events must not come at the cost of community well-being.
“Balancing such events with residents’ rights to peace and safety should remain a top priority,” the HYC said, urging the authorities to ensure that such festivals are organised in non-residential areas on the outskirts of Shillong.
