Ahmedabad police have launched a major drive against noise pollution. The campaign, which began on January 1 and was supposed to last until January 9, will continue indefinitely, according to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik.
Vastrapur police raided Jo Jo Cafe near Thaltej Crossroads on Monday night, where a DJ system was blaring music. The operation also targeted motorcycles fitted with modified silencers that exceeded permissible noise levels.
Citywide sweep
In a 24-hour period from January 7-8, police registered 19 cases of noise pollution across Ahmedabad. Officers seized loudspeakers, woofers and motorcycles with modified silencers during raids in Sola, Vastrapur, Ghatlodia, Shahibaug, Sardarnagar, Naroda, Krishnagar, Kagdapith, Narol, Danilimda and Thaltej. Malik said a review of control room records revealed 15–20 daily complaints about noise disturbance. “On average, there were 15 to 20 calls about noise pollution from citizens disturbed by loud music and noise levels exceeding permitted limits during restricted hours,” he said. “We have given clear instructions to all police stations that complaints about noise pollution must be taken seriously,” he added.
DCP Control Reema Munshi said that over 250 police officers have been trained to use sound decibel meters and understand Green Tribunal norms. “Each of the 44 police stations has been provided with a sound decibel meter. The DCP offices in each zone have one, and two sound decibel meters have been allocated to the PCR, as many complaints come through the PCR helpline,” DCP Munshi explained.