Staff Reporter:
In a major policy upgrade aimed at tackling the growing threat of noise pollution, the Ministry of Envi-ronment, Forest and Climate Change has issued the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025.
It replaces the 2006 rules that had long been considered insufficient to meet current challenges.
The new notification published on Monday (November 24, 2025), introduces a series of stricter, clearer, and technologically updated measures to curb noise-related disturbances across the country.
One of the most significant reforms is the expansion of enforcement authority. Previously, only magis-trates had the power to penalize offenders, creating manpower bottlenecks in enforcement.
Under the new rules, traffic police officers not below the rank of sergeant can now impose fines on the spot for violations related to horns, loud sound systems, and other noise-generating activities.
Authorities believe this added capacity will dramatically improve on-ground enforcement.
The rules also close a long-standing regulatory gap regarding the import, production, storage, and sale of vehicle horns—a major noise source previously lacking clear penal provisions.
With penalties now defined, officials expect a significant reduction in the unchecked availability and misuse of high-decibel horns.
The updated 2025 rules introduce several additional restrictions such as use of loudspeakers, micro-phones, amplifiers, and sound equipment in public areas now requires written permission.
The rules banned forest picnics in natural forests and wildlife habitats.
It also limits noise at social events capped at 90 decibels, which must conclude by 9 pm.
