Tura, September 24 : A former MLA, John Leslee K. Sangma, has written to the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, requesting immediate action to maintain the Silence Zone around the Maternity Hospital area during upcoming festivals, particularly the Durga Puja immersion procession scheduled for October 2, 2025.
Sangma’s letter highlights the concern that the noise levels during the immersion procession have significantly increased over the years, causing undue distress to the patients in the maternity hospital and newborn ICU unit, which is equipped with specialized medical technology. He points out that the law prohibits noise-producing activities within 100 meters of hospitals, but this was violated during the recent Ganesh Puja immersion procession, with noise levels exceeding 110 decibels, far above the permissible limit of 50 decibels.
The resident suggests rerouting the procession, setting up Silence Zone banners, holding Puja mandap committees accountable for noise violations, and prohibiting pandals on public roads to ensure minimal disturbance to patients and the general public.
Copies of the letter have been sent to the Chairman of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, the Superintendent of Police, and the Central Puja Committee. Sangma’s initiative aims to safeguard the health and well-being of patients at the Maternity Hospital while allowing the community to celebrate their festivals peacefully.
