The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has introduced the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025, replacing the 2006 regulations to enhance noise-control enforcement across the country.
The updated rules were gazetted on Monday.
According to ministry officials, several shortcomings in the 2006 rules prompted the overhaul, leading to the inclusion of new practical, regulatory, and technological provisions.
A key reform expands enforcement powers beyond magistrates. Under the new rules, traffic sergeants and senior police officers are authorised to impose fines on the spot, an improvement expected to significantly accelerate noise-control operations.
The revised rules also add penalties for the import, production, storage, sale, and use of vehicle horns, closing a major enforcement gap that previously hindered efforts to regulate horn misuse.
Stricter controls have been introduced for sound equipment, loudspeakers, microphones, amplifiers, and musical instruments cannot be used in public places without prior written approval from authorities.
In silent zones, the use of fireworks, crackers, horns, and similar noise-generating items has been completely banned.
The rules further prohibit night-time construction and require factories and generators to follow noise-limit standards. Penalties for violations have been consistent with the Road Transport Act.
The 2025 regulations were formulated after consultations with stakeholders, input from government ministries, public feedback, and a review of international best practices to address long-standing weaknesses in the previous framework.
