Noise Pollution: Towards Stricter Penalties and Enhanced Controls

In response to the increasing noise pollution in Mauritius, the Ministry of Environment is considering tightening existing legislation. Since last November, the environmental police have issued 154 fines, a significant rise compared to 62 in 2023 and 46 in 2022, as stated by the Minister of Environment, Rajesh Bhagwan, during a press conference in Port-Louis on Thursday.

He reaffirmed his ministry's commitment to combat this issue, which directly affects the health and quality of life of citizens. "Noise pollution causes unacceptable disturbances and harms health," the minister declared.

Statistics confirm the extent of the problem: for the year 2024/2025, 31% of complaints recorded by the environmental police are related to noise pollution, totaling 269 complaints. Of the 154 fines issued since November, 123 pertain to vehicles, 16 to neighborhood disturbances, 8 to industrial activities, and 7 to cases reported on beaches.

"Today, some drive with the music blaring, even in front of hospitals or places of worship. This is unacceptable," Minister Bhagwan insisted, reminding everyone of the decibel thresholds that must be respected. He also announced that specific training for police officers is being considered to enhance law enforcement on the ground.

Additionally, a review of penalties is being contemplated. "We are exploring the possibility of increasing the fixed fine, currently set at Rs 10,000, to double or even triple that amount," Rajesh Bhagwan noted.

Junior Minister for the Environment, Joanna Bérenger, highlighted the close link between noise pollution and incivility, mentioning the potential introduction of community service for repeat offenders.

"Community service would provide a form of rehabilitation and strengthen the sense of belonging. The other option would be to further tighten the law, but we prefer to encourage a sustainable change in behavior," she explained.