Dhaka updates noise pollution rules to curb rising sound levels

Noise pollution_11zon

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has unveiled the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules-2025, replacing the 2006 regulations to enforce stricter noise control measures nationwide, according to a gazette notification released on November 24.

Authorities said the earlier rules had several limitations and lacked clarity on key regulatory issues, which hindered effective enforcement, said a media release on Tuesday.

The new rules have been formulated to address those gaps by incorporating current needs, practical realities, and technological considerations.

One of the major reforms is the expansion of enforcement authority. Previously, only magistrates were empowered to take action, making it difficult to achieve desired outcomes due to limited manpower.

Under the 2025 Rules, designated members of the law enforcement agencies, specifically traffic police officers not below the rank of sergeant, have now been authorised to impose fines on the spot for offences committed under sub-rules (2), (3), or (4) of Rule 6.

This provision is expected to significantly accelerate enforcement operations.

The new rules also introduce clear punitive measures for the import, manufacture, storage, and sale of horns, an area previously unregulated despite being one of the major sources of noise pollution, with authorities believing this will help bring uncontrolled horn use under effective control.

Several incorporated directives in the updated rules include a ban on the use of loudspeakers, microphones, amplifiers, or musical instruments in public places without written permission; prohibition of picnics in natural forests and wildlife habitats; a maximum noise limit of 90 decibels for social events, which must end by 9 PM; a complete ban on fireworks, horns, or similar noise-generating items in silence zones; restrictions on night-time construction; new provisions for controlling noise from industrial establishments and generators; and alignment of penalties with the Road Transport Act, 2018.

The updated rules were prepared following extensive consultations, including meetings and workshops with stakeholders.

Feedback from all ministries was incorporated, and the draft was made publicly available on the Ministry’s website for citizen comments.

Best practices from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Kenya, and South Africa were reviewed to identify weaknesses in the 2006 Rules and refine the new framework accordingly. - UNB