In response to a PIL filed by a Local NGO, Ramnagar Himalayan Yuva Grameen Vikas Sansthan, a two judge bench comprising of Chief Justice Barin Ghosh and Justice U C Dhyani of Nainital High Court, recently declared the Corbett National Park and areas in its periphery a "complete silence zone". In its decision, the HC bench expressed concern over sound amplification devices which disturb the peace of endangered species.

Acting on the HC Directive, the Uttarakhand Government on Wednesday imposed a blanket ban on noise pollution in a radius of 500 metres around the Corbett National Park and declared it a "complete silence zone".

The Government Order will mitigate levels of noise pollution that affect the habitat of many species in one of India's best known tiger reserve.


The Possible Impact:

Courtesy the GO, it can be hoped that the resorts within Corbett's outer periphery will now think twice before using loud music in parties and marriage receptions held there.

Who is exempted?

The decision was taken under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. As per directive, a blanket ban has been imposed on sound amplification in a radius of 500 metres around the Corbett National Park. Only municipality areas are excluded from the prohibited zone.
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