The Gujarat High Court on Monday questioned Ahmedabad municipal commissioner Banchha Nidhi Pani, state home secretary Nipuna Torawane, and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) chairman R B Barad over the non-implementation of its directions to curb noise pollution. The bench of Justice Bhargav Karia and Justice L S Pirzada also addressed the failure to ease city traffic during an online hearing.
Background of the Case
The court was hearing contempt petitions filed by advocate Amit Panchal, who alleged that authorities had not acted on the high court's directions issued in 2017-18. These directions pertained to the proper upkeep of city roads, resolution of traffic and parking problems, tackling encroachments, and addressing the cattle menace on streets. Another grievance involved authorities ignoring Supreme Court and high court directives to implement a GPCB notification aimed at curbing noise pollution.
Court's Observations
The court pulled up the GPCB and the home secretary, stating that it was "very painful" to note that Gujarat still faces noise pollution problems 20 years after the Supreme Court issued guidelines to curb it. The judges remarked, "It seems that the authorities have taken the notification very lightly and noise pollution remains a menace in Gujarat." After questioning the inaction and seeking explanations, the judges sought assurances from the officials and warned that they would face contempt of court proceedings in case of default.
Action Taken and Next Hearing
The high court demanded detailed reports from the authorities regarding actions taken. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) commissioner informed the court about the creation of parking facilities, removal of encroachments by moving vendors from roads, and imposition of fines on traffic violators. The court's order noted, "The commissioner assured the court that the comprehensive policy is being implemented and a detailed report will be filed." The high court has posted the next hearing for June 18.
