Diljit Dosanjh's concert in Chandigarh exceeded noise level limits, city administration informs HC

Diljit Dosanjh

The Chandigarh administration informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday that noise levels during singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh's Saturday concert exceeded permissible limits.

The administration submitted this report to a division bench, recommending "strict action" against those responsible. Earlier, on December 13, the high court had permitted the event under the condition that the organisers adhere to noise pollution regulations.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal had granted approval for the event on Friday, emphasizing that ambient air quality standards for noise must be strictly upheld. The directive came in response to a PIL filed by a Chandigarh resident seeking guidelines for the management of public events at the Sector 34 exhibition ground, particularly addressing concerns about noise pollution and crowd control.

The Chandigarh administration’s affidavit stated, "During the musical event of performer Diljit Dosanjh held on 14.10.2024, the noise levels were monitored at various locations and it was observed that the nose level exceeded the limits prescribed under The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, the 2000. Accordingly, action under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 has been proposed vide letter dated 16. 12.2024."

In compliance with the high court's instructions, the Chandigarh administration was required to submit a status report. Subsequently, the administration’s Standing Counsel presented an affidavit, detailing the measures taken. According to the affidavit, the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh formed a committee, which conducted noise monitoring throughout the duration of the live concert. The findings are part of the administration's ongoing efforts to address the issues highlighted in the PIL.

The high court had earlier stated that it had no objections to permitting the event, provided that the ambient air quality standards for noise were strictly adhered to. The court specified a maximum limit of 75 dB(A) at the boundary of the public venue where the event was to be conducted. It further directed that if the noise levels exceeded 75 dB(A), the authorities were obligated to take penal action against the organizers, as mandated by the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

This directive was issued during the hearing of a PIL addressing noise pollution concerns. Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh's concert was subsequently held on Saturday evening, marking another leg of his India tour. The Dil-Luminati Tour began in Delhi in October, drawing significant attention and enthusiastic audiences across its various venues. Diljit Dosanjh will conclude the tour with his the last concert in Guwahati on December 29.

(With inputs from PTI)