Shillong: Known as India’s rock capital, Shillong is witnessing a quieter reckoning as a rise in roadside singers and buskers adds to noise pollution.The East Khasi Hills district administration has restricted the use of loudspeakers, microphones, amplifiers and other electronic sound systems by street performers following complaints and assessments showing noise levels above permissible limits.Regular roadside performers have been directed to use acoustic, unplugged and non-electronic musical instruments instead of amplified systems.In an order issued on Sept 9, district magistrate Abhilash Baranwal said roadside singers and music performers in commercial market areas were using loudspeakers, amplifiers, Bluetooth speakers and other sound-producing instruments at levels exceeding prescribed noise limits.The order, issued under Rules 5, 7 and 8 of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, said the use of loudspeakers and amplifiers in public places requires prior written permission from the designated authority.The administration said noise assessments of street performers in commercial market areas had recorded levels between 10.1 dB(A) Leq and 12.1 dB(A) Leq above the prescribed limit, warranting enforcement action under the rules.The “unmonitored use” of microphones and multi-stage amplification systems, including high-output amplifiers, active Bluetooth speakers and sound boxes, has been prohibited in open public market areas without permission.The order also prohibits unmonitored performances along narrow pedestrian stretches, including GS Road and narrow market corridors, where sound can reverberate from building facades and increase noise levels.The administration has directed the authorities to identify suitable, non-sensitive locations for street performances, away from congested commercial areas and narrow, echo-prone lanes. Performances may also be shifted to designated cultural zones where such spaces are available.The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has been directed to enforce this order by initiating action against violators under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, in addition to any other enforcement action under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.“Any violation of the above direction or non-compliance by the general public shall be viewed seriously and action will be taken under Section 223 BNS, in addition to action initiated by the MSPCB under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,” the order warned.
