Citizens can claim compensation from the state if their complaints about noise pollution have gone unheard, the Bombay High Court (HC) said on Wednesday. One of the public interest litigations (PILs), filed by Dr Mahesh Bedekar, an anti-noise campaigner from Thane, said noise pollution rules were not followed during festivals like Ganeshotsav, Navratri and dahi handi, and the police did not investigate complaints about the violation of noise pollution rules. Bedekar said the HC order was significant. According to the recent HC order, citizens can use Whatsapp and email to make anonymous complaints. “Citizens’ complaints and police action will form a record for a compliance report to HC in October,” said Sumaira Abdulali, convener, Awaaz Foundation.

Source: Hindustan Times September 07, 2016 16:52 UTC