Citizens’ Collective called Uttarakhand Against Noise Pollution, UANP, launched in Dehradun
Dehradun : A citizens’ collective called Uttarakhand Against Noise Pollution, UANP, was launched in Dehradun on July 4, 2026, with residents, retired civil and military officers and environmental advocates demanding stricter enforcement of noise rules against hotels, resorts, restaurants, pubs, wedding venues and event organisers.
The launch was held at the Press Club. Anoop Nautiyal said UANP has three objectives: building a statewide citizen movement with local chapters across Uttarakhand, urging hotels, resorts, builders, religious event organisers and other establishments to voluntarily reduce noise, and pressing the Police, Urban Local Bodies, the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board and other agencies to adopt a more proactive approach under the Noise Pollution Rules.
Several residents shared personal experiences of chronic noise. Major General Atul Rawat, retired, of Whispering Willows on Mussoorie Diversion, said he spent nearly Rs 2 lakh soundproofing his windows due to continuous noise from nearby restaurants and pubs and night construction at the upcoming Excentia Tatva project, which he said has affected the health of his elderly parents. Lt Col Karuna Thapliyal, retired, said she sold her home at Kuthaal Gate after persistent sound disturbances, and alleged harassment by weekend tourists who played loud music outside her gate and repeatedly rang her doorbell after she complained.
From Malsi Village, 84-year-old Dharam Singh Rawat, a retired Survey of India official, said noise from hotels including Taj and Marriott has made the area increasingly unliveable.
Vinesh Rawat said late-night music and fireworks repeatedly wake his grandchildren aged six months to five years, and asked whether long-time residents were expected to give up hope. Sultan Singh, whose home borders the Taj property, said conversation inside his house has become difficult, while Pankaj Rawat, living between Fairfield, Taj and other hotels, said his family, including seniors, faces noise from both sides.
Nitin Ahlawat flagged ecological impacts, noting a decline in bird populations in the adjoining Malsi forest, located barely 200 metres by air from the hotels. He also said permissible limits before 10 pm are measured at the boundary of the premises generating noise, not as a blanket exemption until 10 pm. Vivek Ahlawat said the Taj had assured sound barriers within three months but loud music continues, and cited an elderly heart patient in the village who has no option to relocate. Keerti Ahlawat cited residential standards of 55 decibels in the day and 45 decibels at night at the property boundary, and described a prolonged complaint process involving hotel management, the 1095 portal, the District Magistrate, the Pollution Control Board and the Municipal Corporation. She said chronic noise has affected her son’s board exam preparation and her own health.
UANP also announced the launch of its Kumaon Chapter in Corbett, led by Sumantha Ghosh, to address similar issues from resorts and hotels in the region. In closing remarks, Anoop Nautiyal, Aloke Lal and Jagmohan Mendiratta called on people across Uttarakhand to join and form local UANP chapters. The collective said the launch marks the start of a sustained campaign to push for accountability, stronger enforcement and quieter, healthier communities.
