Citizens Need to Know Their Rights and Legal Remedies to Address Noise Pollution: Uttarakhand Against Noise Pollution organises public awareness discussion on noise pollution

Dehradun, 24 September 2026:

Nearly 100 citizens from different parts of Dehradun came together at the Doon Library and Research Centre for a public discussion on the growing problem of noise pollution. The session, titled “Noise Pollution: Know the Rules. Know Your Rights. Be Part of the Solution,” was organised by Uttarakhand Against Noise Pollution (UANP) in collaboration with the Doon Library and Research Centre.

Uttarakhand Against Noise Pollution (UANP) is a recently formed citizens’ collective working to create awareness about noise pollution, promote compliance with applicable rules, facilitate informed citizen engagement and encourage the responsible use of available institutional and legal mechanisms.

The discussion focused on the impact of excessive and continuous noise on everyday life, the legal provisions governing noise pollution, citizens’ rights, the role of the police and other authorities, and practical ways in which residents can raise and pursue complaints.

The speakers emphasised that noise pollution is not merely a matter of inconvenience or personal discomfort. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can affect sleep, concentration, work, mental peace and overall well-being. Children, elderly persons, patients, pregnant women and newborns can be particularly vulnerable to disturbances caused by loud and continuous noise. In the hill environment of Uttarakhand, sound from loudspeakers, DJs and other sources can also travel considerable distances and affect surrounding neighbourhoods, birds and wildlife.

The programme was moderated by Keerti Ahlawat, Managing Editor of The Unknown India and Co-founder of UANP. In her opening remarks, she welcomed the participants and initiated a discussion on how citizens experience noise pollution in their neighbourhoods and what steps they have taken when faced with excessive noise.

Nitin Ahlawat, Co-founder of UANP and an innovation entrepreneur, spoke about the different dimensions of noise pollution and the importance of citizen participation in addressing the issue. He stressed that the responsibility for controlling noise pollution cannot rest only with the administration or the police. Citizens also have an important role in understanding the rules, documenting violations and using available institutional mechanisms responsibly.

He also clarified that the campaign is not against weddings, celebrations, businesses or social events. Its objective is to encourage compliance with the rules so that celebrations and commercial activities do not result in prolonged or excessive disturbance to other residents.

Social activist Anoop Nautiyal explained the objectives and working approach of UANP. He said the collective has been engaging with government authorities and institutions on the issue and has submitted around 30 representations to the Chief Minister’s Office, Chief Secretary, Municipal Commissioner, Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board, and District Magistrates and Senior Superintendents of Police in different districts. UANP has also raised the issue directly with establishments in and around Malsi, including Taj Mussoorie Foothills, Fairfield by Marriott and Nukkad Restaurant & Bar.

He added that UANP’s objective is not simply to encourage people to lodge complaints, but to help citizens understand how to identify a violation, collect relevant evidence and approach the appropriate authority in a systematic manner.

A major part of the discussion was led by Advocate Pranav Puri, who explained the legal framework governing noise pollution and various judicial directions. He discussed the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, including the prescribed noise limits for different areas and the restrictions applicable to the use of loudspeakers and sound-amplifying equipment.

He also explained the role of the police and other authorities and the process through which citizens can approach the 112 emergency service when faced with excessive noise. Participants were informed about the importance of making complaints promptly and maintaining appropriate documentation if the problem continues.

The speakers also discussed practical methods of documenting noise pollution. Citizens were advised to maintain a record of the date, time, location, duration and source of excessive noise. Timestamped photographs and videos, available decibel measurements and a written record of complaints can help establish a clear chronology of the problem. Residents were also encouraged, wherever possible, to approach authorities collectively with other affected neighbours.

Maj. Gen. Atul Rawat, AVSM (Retd.), spoke about the extent to which persistent noise can affect residential life and said that he had spent a substantial amount on soundproofing his windows. Vinesh Rawat shared concerns about the impact of loud music and fireworks on his young grandchildren and said that several families in the Malsi area face similar difficulties. Karuna Thapliyal shared her experience of living near a homestay in the Kuthal Gate area, where persistent noise became so difficult to manage that she eventually decided to sell her house and move elsewhere.

Several particupants shared their personal experiences during the session, bringing out the ground-level difficulties faced by people living near venues, religious places, restaurants, homestays and other establishments where loudspeakers, DJs or fireworks are used. Residents from areas around Tapkeshwar Mandir spoke about recurring disturbance caused by loud music and loudspeakers. One participant narrated how an elderly person had to spend the night at a neighbour’s house because a loudspeaker installed close to his boundary wall continued to disturb him late into the night.

The discussion highlighted that the issue is not simply about individual complaints but also about creating a culture of responsible celebration and respect for the rights of others.

During the concluding session, Anoop Nautiyal and Nitin Ahlawat appealed to citizens to remain aware of excessive and unnecessary noise in their surroundings and to use legal and institutional mechanisms responsibly. Information was also shared on how citizens can associate with UANP and participate in neighbourhood-level efforts.

The organisers said that the next phase of the campaign would include awareness programmes in schools and colleges, with the aim of helping young people understand the impacts of noise pollution and develop a culture of respecting the right of others to peace and quiet. Citizens were also encouraged to participate as neighbourhood volunteers and collectively address recurring noise-related concerns.

The session concluded with an open question-and-answer interaction in which participants raised questions concerning permissible noise levels, complaint procedures, the role of the police and other authorities, the use of loudspeakers, and available legal remedies.

The programme was attended by Vijendra Rawat, Dr V.K. Dobhal, Jagdamba Prasad Maithani, Programme Officer Chandra Shekhar Tiwari, Librarian D.K. Pandey, Dr Arun Kuksal, Ajay Sharma, Sunder Singh Bisht, Himanshu Ahuja, Jagdish Babla, Alok Sareen, Hari Om Pali, along with members of the library team, readers, researchers and citizens from different parts of Dehradun.