Ranchi, Oct. 21: If noise levels are being flouted with impunity every year during Diwali, it’s because the state administration wants to be “humane” and the police prefer to look the other way since it doesn’t know what to do.

The Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board’s (JSPCB) findings indicate that in most areas of the capital, including hospital areas designated silence zones, decibel levels recorded were far higher than permissible limits.

Ranchi deputy commissioner (DC) K.K. Soan admitted the administration was supposed to act against violation of noise pollution norms, but couldn’t do so in the absence of specific complaints.

What about suo motu action, after all violation of the norms is a clear case of flouting the Environment Protection Act, 1986?

“It does not appear humane to act against people for bursting crackers during Diwali,” said Soan, apparently oblivious of responsibilities that go hand in hand with the powers that a DC enjoys.

Not a single case has been registered anywhere in Jharkhand in the last nine years under Section 19 of the act that prescribes a minimum jail term of six years for anyone violating noise pollution norms while bursting crackers beyond permissible decibel limits.

“The district administration concerned should take action against persons found violating noise pollution norms. But not a single case has been registered till now under the act,” rued JSPCB environment engineer Mahendra Mahto.

Over the years, the police too have made no effort to ensure that the provisions of the act against sound pollution were understood by the rank and file. As a result, constables on duty on Diwali end up as silent spectators while groups of people try to outdo each other by bursting the loudest cracker.

Shambhu Pramanik, a havildar on duty at Albert Ekka Chowk where noise levels were at 83.1 decibel against a permissible limit of 55 decibel, claimed he and other colleagues weren’t instructed to act against people bursting loud crackers.

According to noise pollution norms, permissible limits for residential areas was 55 decibel between 6am to 10pm and 45 decibel during 10pm to 6am. For silent zones like hospitals, schools and courts, the limit was 50 and 40 decibels in the respective time slots. Similarly, for commercial areas the permissible limit was 65 and 55 decibels and for industrial areas, 75 and 70 decibels.

JSPCB chairman C.R. Sahay, also principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), admitted he had little knowledge about enforcing the act. “Please give me a few days time to provide you with details.”