PATNA, Aug. 22 -- The Patna high court has directed state authorities to strictly enforce laws against noise pollution, ordering a crackdown on DJs, loudspeakers, public-address systems and pressure horns. It also insisted on the implementation of 'silence zones' around hospitals and schools. Instructions have been given to stop unnecessary loudspeakers and other types of noise in such areas. Besides, arbitrary noise pollution in the name of religious events, marriage ceremonies or public functions will not be accepted, especially at night. Justice Rajiv Roy, while hearing a contempt proceeding, directed DMs, SPs, SDOs and SHOs across the state to ensure strict compliance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Under the directions, DJs, loudspeaker operators and marriage or banquet halls have been prohibited from playing music or operating public-address systems beyond 9:55pm. During permitted hours, sound levels must remain within prescribed decibel limits. Directing schools and hospitals to be treated as silence zones, the court said that DJs and vehicles are required to pass such areas without horns or loud music. Signboards carrying messages such as "Silence Zone", "No Horn" and "No Loudspeaker" have been ordered. The court also ordered strict action against vehicles fitted with pressure horns, directing police to prosecute violators under section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act. The order referred to enforcement in Katihar's Pothia area, where authorities collected Rs.1.10 lakh in fines within a week. Based on this action, the court directed about 1,500 police stations in Bihar to run a campaign against pressure horns. In another significant direction, all DJ operators, marriage hall owners and loudspeaker operators will have to register with the local SDO, with their details also being made available to the police stations concerned. Meanwhile, Bihar State Pollution Control Board has been tasked with installing noise-monitoring systems and digital display boards at public places to create awareness about noise pollution. The court directed that the order be forwarded to the transport secretary and additional chief secretary, environment, forest and climate change department, for coordinated implementation. Senior advocate Shivendra Kishore, appearing for the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, told the court that locals were finding it difficult to sleep at night due to loudspeakers blaring till late in the night and alleged nuisance by bikers in the area. At this, the court of Justice Rajiv Roy took a strong view and warned that if in future any photo or video proves the claim of the police station in-charge wrong, then strict legal action can be taken against him. During the hearing, the issue of late-night nuisance by bikers, overspeeding and loudspeakers being played around Bans Ghat on Hospito India Road in Buddha Colony police station area of Patna also came up....