Who can file a public nuisance complaint?

Section 34 of the PERA Force Laws empowers citizens by granting the right to any aggrieved person to report or file a complaint concerning a public nuisance. This inclusion ensures that individuals are not passive observers but active participants in maintaining environmental order and community well-being.

A “public nuisance” refers to any act or condition that negatively impacts the public at large—such as illegal dumping of waste, emission of toxic fumes, noise pollution, or obstruction of public spaces. Such nuisances often pose serious risks to public health and environmental safety. Under this section, any person who feels harmed, disturbed, or endangered by such activities qualifies as an “aggrieved person” and can bring the matter before the relevant enforcement authority.

The significance of this provision lies in its democratization of environmental enforcement. It doesn’t limit the right to report a nuisance to government officials or law enforcement; instead, it gives ordinary citizens a voice to initiate corrective action. Once a complaint is filed, the PERA Enforcement Station or the Sub Divisional Enforcement Officer (SDEO) may investigate the issue, verify the facts, and take immediate measures to remove or mitigate the nuisance under Section 34.

This framework ensures swift administrative response and accountability, aligning with the principles of transparency and public participation in governance. It also reflects PERA’s focus on community partnership for a safer and cleaner environment.

In conclusion, any aggrieved person—not just a government body or official—can file a complaint against a public nuisance under Section 34 of the PERA Force Laws, reinforcing civic empowerment and environmental responsibility.