Police launch anti-noise campaign in Valley

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 5: Nepal Police has issued a stern public advisory urging citizens to refrain from activities that generate excessive noise pollution, warning that violators could face fines of up to Rs. 300,000.

In a notice released on Thursday, the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari, called on the Valley dwellers to remain mindful of noise levels, underscoring that noise pollution poses serious risks to human health. For this purpose, the Valley Police Office has launched the ‘Disturbance-free Neighbourhood Campaign.’

According to Senior Superintendent of Police and Spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari, Shekhar Khanal, noise pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, cardiac patients, the elderly, and children. It not only harms physical, mental, and educational well-being but also disrupts social order, economic activities, and community values, he said. 

The police advisory outlines specific behaviours to avoid, such as loud late-night conversations, blaring music and dancing, clattering kitchen utensils, banging gates or ringing bells at night, unnecessary coughing or spitting, and revving motorcycles or other vehicles early in the morning. 

Similarly, residents are urged not to flush toilets late at night, avoid loud pressure cooker whistles in the early morning hours and nighttime, and prevent disturbances caused by domestic animals such as dogs and poultry.

The denizens are further encouraged to lower their voices while speaking on phones or to use headphones. Religious and cultural events, police stressed, should also ensure strict sound control. According to the legal provision, anyone proven guilty of causing noise pollution can be fined up to Rs. 300,000, said SSP Khanal.