Imphal: The District Magistrate of Imphal West, the capital of Manipur, said on Wednesday, "Only loudspeakers will be allowed to operate between 8 AM and 6 PM without written permission."
The order passed on 18 May raised objections to the unnecessary use of loudspeakers in Imphal West district.
According to reports, during the pandemic, many NGOs and other institutions are using loudspeakers without permission, which is causing people's problems during the pandemic.
Further, the notification reads, "It is learnt from various sources that there are increasing cases of misuse of loudspeakers in various localities of Imphal West District during the pandemic by a number of NG0s/C50s/Clubs/Organizations etc., without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority which is a violation of the provisions of the Manipur Control of the Use and Play of Loud-Speakers Act, 1976.
Further, during the pandemic, the indiscriminate usage of loudspeakers not only creates nuisances to the public but disturbs the peaceful environment in the locality.
2. Limited use of loudspeakers for creating public awareness and enforcing COVID-19 related protocols may be allowed in the localities in the public interest subject to the following conditions:
I. That use of Loudspeaker must be in low volume/tone.
2. That the usage of loudspeakers is permitted only between the hours of 8:00 am to 6:00 pm without written permission."
Further, the Government of Manipur has instructed all Chief Medical officers, medical superintendents, all private hospitals, and private ambulance services agencies in the state to mute the ambulance sirens.
Stating that the sound of the ambulance sirens causes people to panic and create social anxiety, the Director of Health Services, Manipur has asked ambulances to silence the sirens.
The order also stated that since most of the time the roads are empty and there is hardly any traffic, the use of sirens will not be necessary. However, the order also stated that sirens should only be activated if the roads are blocked.
Also Read: At 4,500 COVID-19 Deaths, it's Not Just India's Highest, But a Global High in a Single Day
Also Watch: