'Community participation can help in curbing noise pollution'

New Delhi: The importance of community participation in curbing noise pollution was one of the important points discussed during a meeting of the Joint Pollution Control Review Committee.

Sources told Millennium Post that the meeting was held in the first week of September under the chairmanship of an officer of the rank of Additional Commissioner of Police at Delhi Police headquarters. Officials from Delhi Police, MCD, DPCC, NGO and paralegal volunteers were present.

Sources added that various points were discussed in the meeting between the officials and at the end, it was observed that no initiative can be successful without the participation of the community. The people have to be sensitized about the ethics of the environment, ill defects and disadvantages of noise pollution. "Though prosecution is essential for enforcing environment but without the support of the community, the menace can't be controlled. The volunteers should come forward and contact local authorities for cooperation in organizing programmes," was one of the observations made at the meeting.

Sources further added that talks were held regarding the exclusive website of noise pollution. "Directions were issued that district DCsP should dispose of pending grievances at the earliest," sources said.

Noise pollution helpline number was another important topic of the discussion. During the deliberations of the meeting, proposals of mass awareness programmes were put forward by the members of the committee. One of the members proposed that community meetings may be organised in collaboration with the RWAs of the area. The programmes may be organised on the pattern of Mohalla Panchayat, Nukkad Dramas and Sabhas. The volunteers may be involved in this programme.

Another member pointed out that if there is any violation during any functions, effective check and control may be imposed on such social conglomerations.

Another official stated that social media is one of the significant platforms of mass mobilisation, thus it may be used to spread awareness. "Exhibitions, song, dramas, poster competition may be organised in educational institutions to sensitize children," a member said.