Noise pollution is the propagation of noise with harmful effects on human and animal life. The main sources of noise are heavy machines, traffic, construction activities and musical performances.
High noise levels can cause cardiovascular problems, irritability, impatience
and loss of hearing in humans. In animals, high noise levels can cause death by changing the delicate balance in predator or prey detection and avoidance.
Sound becomes unwanted when it interferes with activities such as sleep or conversation. Constant noise deprives one of rest. Loud and continuous noise can also impair the hearing ability of a person.
Road noise, though ignored in Indian cities, is a major cause of imbalances and health problems. Poorlymaintained vehicles roar past residential areas every day. In overcrowded areas, problem of road noise are worse. The ministries of transport and roadways have done little to improve the condition of roads. In fact, the perpetual digging of roads and potholes caused by rains rattle every vehicle creating, besides engine rattling, body noise.
The Government of India has rules against firecrackers and loudspeakers, but these regulations only remain on paper. Since 2003, many NGOs have been working on spreading awareness about the harmful effects of loud noises, but little has been achieved. The Supreme Court, in its judgement in 2005, has issued the following directions to control the noise levels. First, the noise level at the boundary of a public place, where loudspeakers or public-address systems are being used, should not exceed 75 decibels. Second, no one should beat a drum, blow a trumpet or use any sound amplifier between 10pm and 6 am. The state governments may permit the use of loudspeakers and sound equipment during the festive seasons from 10 am to midnight for a total period of 15 days in a year.
The bearable limit of sound as permitted by law is 55 decibels and anything beyond this limit is harmful to health and environment. But very little attention is paid to the lives of those who do not participate in festivities. During festivals, noise levels go up to 115 decibels, which is completely unbearable. While each person’s tolerance to noise is different, high sound levels can be harmful to children, senior citizens and pets. Have we noticed how dogs go in a frenzy when loud crackers are exploded? Dogs have six times the strength of human hearing and these noises almost explode their nervous system.
Every citizen should work towards limiting the noise levels for the sake of present and future generations.
The writer is a resident of Pune
