Delhi Empowers Civic Bodies to Act on Noise Pollution

New Delhi, May 8: In a decisive move to strengthen the fight against noise pollution, the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the effective leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt Rekha Gupta, has notified significant amendments to empower local authorities and officers to take direct action under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

The move comes after comprehensive consultations with the Law Department, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and approvals from the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. It aims to decentralize the enforcement mechanism, enabling faster response and stricter action against violations.

Leading the charge on the development, Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Government of NCT Delhi, Shri Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated: “Delhi deserves peace and order—not just on paper but on the ground. With this empowerment of local authorities, we are taking action where it matters—right at the source.”

He further added: “This was a long-pending issue—I ensured it was addressed so that citizens no longer suffer due to inaction. With real-time enforcement now possible, we are showing our commitment to making Delhi quieter and healthier.”

Earlier, the list of designated officers included, all deputy commissioners, office of the divisional commissioner; all sub divisional magistrates; assistant commissioners of police control room; all sub divisional police officers including railways & airports; chairman and member secretary of DPCC; assistant commissioners of police (traffic).

Under the revised rules, a wide range of officers are now authorized to act against noise pollution violations. Among them, importantly for the first time—assistant commissioners from Municipal Corporations and local bodies have also been added. Apart from these, all deputy commissioners (revenue), all sub divisional magistrates (revenue), assistant commissioners of Police Control Room, all sub divisional police officers including railways & airports, scientists and engineers from the DPCC & assistant commissioners of police (traffic). These officials are now empowered to inspect, issue notices, prosecute violators, and take preventive measures directly under the law.

This expansion of enforcement powers is expected to greatly benefit citizens especially old-age people, kids and animals suffering from excessive noise in their surroundings. Until now, the lack of clarity on whom to approach often left complaints unresolved. With this change, people will be able to reach out to their local municipal officer, nearby ACP, or the DPCC staff and get timely action, making the process of redressal faster, localised, and more accountable.

Reaffirming the government’s broader environmental vision, the Hon’ble minister said: “Pollution control is a top governance priority for us. Whether it’s air, noise, or water—our approach is action-driven. We are not just relying on policy; we are enabling real implementation through empowered officers.”

This move also follows directives of the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal and comprehensive review meetings involving senior environment officials, legal advisors, and administrative leadership. It reflects the Delhi Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure smoother coordination, wider jurisdiction, and real-time interventions for effective environmental protection.