The unchecked and unnecessary use of sirens by government convoys, official vehicles, and even ambulances without patients has become a widespread menace, contributing significantly to noise pollution and public inconvenience. What was originally intended to alert the public in genuine emergencies has now been transformed into a symbol of status and authority, often misused without restraint or accountability.
Ganderbal, already notorious for traffic jams, is now grappling with another menace of unnecessary and unregulated sirens by government vehicles. The situation is particularly severe around the Court Complex Ganderbal, located on a main city road. Constant siren blasts make it extremely difficult for judges, lawyers, and litigants to concentrate, disrupting daily judicial proceedings. The sanctity of the court, which requires peace and order, is under continuous assault. This reckless practice not only disturbs the public but also undermines the credibility and urgency associated with genuine emergencies. Such practices not only breach the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 but also violate citizens’ fundamental right to a peaceful environment under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Legal Framework and Responsibility:
Noise pollution in India is governed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. Rule 5A of these Rules specifically empowers the authorities to restrict the use of horns, pressure horns, and sirens, except by vehicles used for emergency purposes such as police, fire, or ambulance services. Even for these categories, the law envisages use only during actual emergencies not for routine movement or convenience.Moreover, under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, every citizen has the Right to Life, which includes the Right to a peaceful and pollution-free environment. The Supreme Court, in In Re: Noise Pollution (V), (2005) 5 SCC 733, emphasized that noise beyond permissible limits amounts to a violation of fundamental rights. The misuse of sirens, therefore, falls squarely within the ambit of actionable noise pollution.
The Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) has, on several occasions, taken cognizance of the dangers of urban noise, observing that continuous exposure to high decibel levels can lead to psychological distress, hearing loss, and reduced efficiency in workplaces. When such disturbance extends to judicial institutions and residential areas, it becomes not only a matter of public nuisance under Section 278 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to the old Section 268 of IPC), but also a breach of statutory and constitutional duties by public authorities.
Need for Strict Regulation and Enforcement
There is an urgent need for the enforcement of uniform guidelines restricting the use of sirens strictly to genuine emergencies. The installation of sirens in government and official vehicles, other than those authorized for emergency use, should be banned. The Transport Department and Traffic Police must undertake regular inspections and impose penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and relevant state rules.
Courts, hospitals, educational institutions, and residential zones should be declared “No Siren Zones,” similar to “Silence Zones” under existing noise control rules. Awareness campaigns must also be launched to sensitize government drivers and ambulance operators about the legal and ethical responsibilities attached to the use of sirens.
Noise pollution, often underestimated, poses a serious threat to public health, productivity, and mental peace. The misuse of sirens reflects not only a lack of discipline but also a failure of governance in upholding environmental and civic norms. It is high time that the local administration and the Hon’ble High Court take suo motu cognizance of this issue and direct strict implementation of noise control laws. Respect for the environment begins with respect for silence and it is the duty of every citizen, especially those in positions of authority, to lead by example. Noise pollution may seem trivial, but its impact on health, productivity, and mental peace is real. The misuse of sirens reflects not just indiscipline but a failure of governance. Local authorities and the Hon’ble High Court must act immediately to restore silence, order, and public trust in Ganderbal.
(The author is a Columnist and environmental Activist and hold Master’s Degree in Environmental Laws. Views expressed are exclusively his own and can be reached at advocateaquib08@gmail.com)
