KSPCB orders closure of 'noisy' marriage hall

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has ordered closure “until further orders” of Ubhaya Vedanta Pravarthana Sabha (UVPA) marriage hall on 10th Cross in Malleswaram, following complaints of noise pollution.

The Malleswaram Residents’ Welfare Association had filed a public interest litigation alleging that the marriage hall was violating noise pollution norms. Following directions from the Court, the KSPCB measured the noise level in the vicinity of the marriage hall between February 14 and 20, 2014 and found that it exceeded the limits prescribed in the Noise Rules, 2000.

The association had also contended that business activities at the shopping complex allegedly constructed illegally by the Sabha was the root cause of noise pollution in the locality.

The Board found that the noise level at the building was 24 per cent above the permissible limits in daytime and exceeded the normal range by 15 per cent during the night.

During the hearing of the PIL, the High Court had taken the KSPCB to task for its failure to act against noise pollution. It had even questioned why the Board cannot be wound up if it was not discharging its statutory duties.

Exercising its powers under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, theBoard, in its order dated March 6, 2014, has ordered closure of the marriage hall.
It has also directed the Bescom and the BWSSB to disconnect power and water supply respectively to the hall, and the BBMP to  withdraw the licence issued to the UVPA. The Electrical Inspectorate has been asked to withdraw the permit issued to instal a diesel generator.