Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Thursday made it clear that lawns, clubs and marriage halls cannot use loudspeakers or firecrackers without prior permission from authorities, as it flagged widespread violations in the city’s Civil Lines area and underscored the need for strict enforcement to curb sound and air pollution.Hearing a batch of PILs, including one filed by Bhupendrakumar Wasnik and connected matters, division bench comprising Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta recorded submissions confirming several such venues were operating without needed approvals.Additional govt pleader Shishir Ukey, appearing for Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), stated “none of the lawns operating in Civil Lines have permission to offer the premises for marriage or religious ceremonies”, adding that notices have been issued and a meeting between lawn operators and municipal commissioner is scheduled on April 15.Taking serious note of violations, the court highlighted “harmful consequences of sound and air pollution”, identifying event venues as a key source. It stressed that permission for use of loudspeakers or sound systems must be granted only after proper scrutiny. Applicants must justify why an event “cannot be organised without loudspeakers/sound system”, and authorities must ensure that output remains within permissible decibel limits.The bench directed that any breach of such permissions should result in cancellation, reinforcing accountability. It also said organisers must undertake not to burst firecrackers beyond permissible limits and ensure that events do not lead to sound or air pollution.Expanding the scope of its directions, the judges called upon both the Central and state govts to regulate the manufacture of firecrackers and ensure compliance with noise standards. They also recommended integrating awareness on the impact of pollution into school curricula and using cinema halls, OTT platforms and social media to educate the public. “The effect of sound and air pollution affects birds, animals as well,” the court observed.The bench also proposed mandatory display boards at cracker shops warning of health and environmental risks and directed authorities to develop awareness content, including sample videos for submission before the court. It further sought updates on the proposed “Pollution Free Nagpur” online portal for lodging of complaints by citizens.Describing its suggestions as “illustrative”, the court allowed authorities to modify them but emphasised that “effective steps shall be taken immediately” to address the issue. The matter has been posted for further hearing on April 23.
