The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025, replacing the older 2006 rules that were no longer effective.
The new rules, published on Monday (November 24, 2025), include stronger and clearer steps to reduce noise pollution across the country.
A major change is the expansion of enforcement power. Before, only magistrates could punish people for noise violations, which made enforcement slow. Now, traffic police officers of sergeant rank and above can give fines on the spot for using illegal horns, loud sound systems, and other noisy activities. Officials believe this will make enforcement faster and more effective.
For the first time, the rules also set penalties for the import, production, storage, and sale of vehicle horns, which were previously unregulated. Authorities expect this to reduce the misuse of high-volume horns.
The updated rules say that using loudspeakers, microphones, amplifiers, and other sound equipment in public places now requires written permission. Picnics inside natural forests and wildlife areas are banned. Social events must keep noise levels below 90 decibels and end by 9 pm.
There is also a complete ban on fireworks, crackers, and horns in quiet areas. Night-time construction is not allowed. New rules have also been added to control noise from factories and generators, with penalties matching the Road Transport Act, 2018.
The government says the new rules were created after discussions with different ministries, experts, and the public, and by studying international best practices.
Experts believe the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2025 will bring a major improvement in noise control and make enforcement more effective across the country.
