Dist admn enforces strict noise pollution norms during CBSE, ICSE, JAC board exams

Ranchi: Acting in compliance with the directions of the Jharkhand High Court, the district administration (Dist admn) in Ranchi has issued stringent instructions to ensure strict enforcement of prescribed noise pollution standards during the ongoing 2026 board examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE), and the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC).

Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Manjunath Bhajantri has directed Sub-Divisional Officer (Sadar) Kumar Rajat to ensure full compliance with all notified noise pollution norms. The administration has made it clear that during this sensitive examination period, any sound exceeding the prescribed decibel limits will invite strict action against the concerned vehicles, election candidates, organizations, restaurant operators and event organizers. The action may include seizure of vehicles and sound equipment, imposition of fines and other legal proceedings under relevant provisions.

Currently, the Class 10 and 12 board examinations are being held in February 2026, while examinations for Classes 8, 9 and 11 are scheduled from the last week of February to the first week of March. The administration has observed that municipal election candidates, bars, restaurants and other organizers have been using loudspeakers, DJs and public address systems mounted on vehicles for campaigning and promotional activities, with several instances of sound levels exceeding permissible decibel limits.

The district administration has also taken serious note of excessive noise levels in different parts of the city, including restricted zones, bars, open restaurants and other public and private places, particularly beyond permitted hours. Such violations have been termed unacceptable and will attract stringent action under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and other applicable legal provisions.

Under the rules, permissible noise limits in residential areas are 55 dB(A) during the day and 45 dB(A) at night, while in commercial areas the limits are 65 dB(A) during the day and 55 dB(A) at night. The use of loudspeakers or public address systems is completely prohibited between 10 pm and 6 am without written permission. In public places, sound levels must not exceed the ambient standard by more than 10 dB(A) or 75 dB(A), whichever is lower, and in private premises the peripheral noise level must not increase by more than 5 dB(A).

The Jharkhand High Court has repeatedly directed authorities across the state to strictly regulate noise pollution, enforce night-time restrictions on loudspeakers and DJs, ensure mandatory permissions and take prompt action against violators. The district administration has appealed to all political parties, candidates, bar and restaurant operators, event organizers and citizens to strictly adhere to the norms, stressing that excessive noise adversely affects students’ concentration and preparation during examinations and also causes distress to elderly persons, pregnant women and patients. Residents have been urged to report violations to the local police station, the Sub-Divisional Officer’s office or the district control room, as the administration remains committed to maintaining a peaceful and health-friendly environment during the ongoing examinations.