The Jaiñtia Students Union (JSU) Jowai Circle has objected to holding of the ‘Summer Jam’ music festival to be held near Civil Hospital, Ialong on May 23.
Citing severe violations of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the union said the festival is a serious threat to public safety, emergency medical access, and regulatory transparency.
According to the JSU, the West Jaintia Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner was unaware that the festival would be held and that she had no information on whether proper permission was obtained for the event. “This raises serious concerns about how such a large gathering was approved without official knowledge or proper oversight,” the union said.
“Hosting a large-scale festival with loud music near a hospital not only disrupts patient recovery but also creates major traffic congestion, which could delay emergency medical services,” it added.
Pointing out that the Civil Hospital Ialong serves numerous patients in urgent need of medical care, the JSU said any obstruction caused by the event may prevent ambulances and emergency vehicles from reaching the hospital on time, putting lives at risk.
Condemning the Tourism Department for collaborating to host the event without considering its impact on public health the union said such events must be held at appropriate venues where they do not violate silent zone regulations, disrupt hospital operations, or endanger patient well-being.
It further called upon authorities, including the local headman, district administration, Meghalaya Pollution Control Board, and others to immediately intervene and relocate the event to a suitable venue, ensuring that public health and safety remain the top priority.
