Agartala, Oct 12: In a concerted push to curb environmental noise hazards across Tripura, the Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) on Monday formally distributed 35 advanced Sound Level Meters to Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) from across the state. 

The equipment handover took place during a programme organized at Hall No. 3 of Pragna Bhawan in Agartala, in presence of Officials of Department of Science, Technology & Environment, Tripura State Pollution Control Board and Senior Police Officers to build a robust enforcement mechanism. 

The programme was inaugurated by Chief Guest Animesh Debbarma, Minister for the Department of Science, Technology & Environment, Government of Tripura. Joining him as Guests of Honour were Shantanu, Principal Secretary of the Department of Science, Technology & Environment, and Manchak Ippar, IPS, Inspector General of Police (Law & Order). This apart Dr. K. Sasikumar, IFS, Chairman of TSPCB; Mahender Singh, IFS, Director of the Department of Science, Technology & Environment; and Dr. Bishu Karmakar, Member Secretary of TSPCB were also present in the programme.

The event opened with a welcome address delivered by the Member Secretary of TSPCB, Dr. Bishu Karmakar, who underlined the necessity of seamless inter-departmental synergy between regulatory bodies and ground enforcement agencies. 

Following this, Dr. K. Sasikumar, Chairman, TSPCB gave a detailed presentation outlining statutory rules governing noise pollution, threshold decibel limits, and the legal framework necessary for taking cognizance of ambient noise violations.

Addressing the gathering, Principal Secretary Sri Shantanu focused on institutional readiness and the vital role of modern technical tools in monitoring civic compliance. Adding the policing perspective, IGP Manchak Ippar assured that Tripura Police would deploy the newly received sound level meters actively during festive seasons, public events, and regular surveillance to maintain tranquillity in residential and commercial areas. 

The central highlight of the event was the ceremonial handover, where Minister Animesh Debbarma handed over 35 Sound Level Meters to the Police Department. 

Following that the Minister virtually inaugurated Dr. C. V. Raman Planetarium located at Science City, Agartala. 

Delivering his keynote address, the Minister reaffirmed the State Government's dedication to sustainable urban and rural life and public welfare, urging the police force to make rigorous and judicious use of the instruments to safeguard public health against acoustic disturbances. 

Mahender Singh concluded the formal phase of the ceremony with his closing remarks and a vote of thanks.

The programme concluded with a dedicated technical training session where participating officers received hands-on instruction regarding the operational handling, on-site calibration, and evidentiary documentation procedures required for effectively utilizing the Sound Level Meters in field operations.