What are the legal measures taken in India for reducing noise pollution?

            India is one of the many countries in which noise pollution is a major problem.

            As a measure towards controlling noise pollution, the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000 was framed.

            It set rules and regulations regarding the noise levels to be maintained in certain areas. That is 75 decibels in industrial areas, 65 decibels in commercial areas, and 55 decibels in residential zones.

           Along with this came the observance of a silence zone, which does an area comprise not less than 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutions, courts, religious places etc. According to this rule, no permission can be granted by any authority for use of a public address system in the open after 10.00 p.m. and before 6.00 a.m.

           It also allows for prosecution of people who violate the rules regarding noise pollution.