Ahmedabad: In a move aimed at accommodating religious and cultural festivities, the Gujarat Government has announced relaxation in noise pollution rules for specific days in 2024. The relaxation will allow the use of loudspeakers and public address systems between 10 PM and 12 AM during these designated periods.

According to the Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2000, and its amendments, the following festive occasions have been earmarked for the relaxation:

Janmashtami: 1 day
Navaratri: 9 days
Dushehra: 1 day
This brings the total number of days with relaxed noise pollution rules to 11.

However, the government has clarified that areas within 100 meters of hospitals, educational institutions, and courts will continue to be designated as silent zones.

The remaining three days out of the 15 days in 2024 will be reserved for any other cultural or religious functions that the State Government may deem fit to notify later. If the celebrations on any of the designated days can be concluded by 10 PM, the relaxation may be allotted to other religious or festive occasions. The specific dates for these celebrations will be determined by the State Government. DeshGujarat