Parliament returns draft law on noise for revision with input from deputies and experts

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At a session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the draft law “On the Protection of the Population from Harmful Noise Exposure” was considered article by article in its second reading.

Deputies noted that in recent years the country has established effective mechanisms to improve the environmental situation, maintain a favorable ecological balance, and protect the natural environment.

At the same time, population growth, industrial expansion, and the enlargement of urban areas have intensified the negative impact of noise on citizens’ daily lives.

The draft law, prepared with the aim of regulating relations in the sphere of protecting the population from harmful noise, was revised for the second reading, taking into account the proposals of political party factions, deputies, members of the public council under the committee, and industry specialists.

The document proposes extending the period during which disturbing the peace and normal rest of citizens is prohibited from the current seven hours (11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) to eight hours (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), and on weekends and public holidays from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. During these hours, administrative liability for disturbing the peace would be increased.

In addition, the draft law establishes that construction and repair work exceeding permissible noise levels in apartment buildings may only be carried out on working days from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

It is also stipulated that damage caused by noise exposure must be compensated through the courts. Payment of compensation does not release violators from the obligation to take measures to prevent further harmful impact. For workers engaged in noisy activities, increased wages are provided in accordance with labor legislation.

Following discussions, the draft law was returned to the responsible committee for further revision.