Govt told to act against four cops who ignored noise pollution plaint

Police complaint authority says cops should be trained in environment laws, their work should reflect in appraisals

- Surendra P Gangan

MUMBAI: What will it take to crack down on noise pollution in Mumbai, one of the noisiest cities in the world? What will it take for the police to show up and act?

A new path has opened up via a case in Pune. Based on a complaint by a policeman, action is now being recommended against four police officers in Pune, for not acting when they were called to a noisy wedding that had firecrackers allegedly violating the noise pollution laws.

This spells hope for a city of ceaseless noise - from construction activity, loudspeakers, festivals, weddings, various celebrations, and the honking of traffic and traffic jams.

In the Pune case, the State Police Complaint Authority (SPCA), which hears complaints against police personnel, has cracked down. In its order delivered on Tuesday, the SPCA has directed the state home department to initiate action against the four officers for their inept handling of a case relating to noise pollution at a wedding hall in Bibvewadi, Pune.

While recommending a departmental inquiry against the police officers, the SPCA has also directed the state to sensitise police officers while handling cases relating to noise pollution.