Noise pollution levels in most cities is beyond permissible levels

Noise pollution levels in most cities is beyond the permissible levels Sporadic noise monitoring in urban areas, mainly during festivals such as Deepawali by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/ Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) reveals this fact. A few SPCBs and PCCs have initiated regular noise monitoring since 2008-09. As per available data, the laid down noise norms for respective zones (Industrial, Commercial, Residential or Silence) are exceeded at many locations. However, a definite trend can not be ascertained since data is available only for a limited period.

The Supreme Court, in one of its judgment directed to put complete ban on bursting of sound emitting fire crackers during night time (between 10 pm and 6 am). Besides this, ban on use of sound emitting instrument or any sound amplifier at night time except in public emergency and use of horn at night time except in exceptional circumstance have been ordered. The Supreme Court also suggested to organise public awareness campaigns during festival seasons.

State Government have been advised to make provision for seizure and confiscation of loud-speakers, amplifier and other equipments which are found to create noise level beyond permissible limits. The Central Government has undertaken the task to create a national ambient noise monitoring network for urban areas and reporting the data therein, in accordance with the National Environment Policy-2006.

The various steps undertaken by the Government to control noise pollution include the following:-

(i) Implementation of the provisions of The Factory Act, 1948, the Air (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000;

(ii) Implementation of noise standards at the manufacturing stage for generator sets, motor vehicles, select domestic appliances and firecrackers; and

(iii) Restriction on the blowing of horns, bursting of sound emitted fire crackers, operation of sound emitting construction equipments, and playing of bands, etc during night time (10.00 pm to 6.00 am).
Noise pollution levels in most cities is beyond permissible levels

Who are the Noise Polluters?
It is primarily the Political Parties (who celebrate birthdays of their founders), the trade unions, illegal churches (located in residential areas) and so forth. The Police do not take action in spite of complaints from concerned citizens. The children and the elderly are the ones who suffer most from this malaise. There is not a single case of report of seizure and confiscation of loud-speakers, amplifier and other equipments which are found to create noise level beyond permissible limits by the state authorities. The PCB's are the most corrupt organisations and citizens cannot expect any relief!