Noise Pollution- Sources, Effects and Control

The study examines the problem of noise pollution in the wake of its ill effect on the life of the people. A crosssection survey of the population in Delhi State points out that main sources of noise pollution are loudspeakers and automobiles. However, female population is affected by religious noise a little more than male population. Major effects of noise pollution include interference with communication, sleeplessness, and reduced efficiency. The extreme effects e.g. deafness and mental breakdown neither is ruled out. Generally, a request to reduce or stop the noise is made out by the aggrieved party. However, complaints to the administration and police have also been accepted as a way of solving this menace. Public education appears to be the best method as suggested by the respondents. However, government and NGOs can play a significant role in this process. standard limits. It is responsible for rising incidence of deafness among the inhabitants (Bhargawa, 2001). A study by Singh and Mahajan (1990) conducted in Delhi and Calcutta, found that the noise level is 95dB as against the ambient limit of 45dB. Even at the “calm” places, it does not fall below 60dB. Murli and Murthy (1983) also found that traffic noise in Vishakhapatanam exceeds 90dB even in morning hours that acts as a source of nuisance. The noise pollution is not a unique problem for developing countries like India only. In China, till third century B.C., instead of hanging men for dangerous crimes, noise was used for their torturing. The worrisome effects of noise are dangerous enough that noise problem is consi-dered next to crime by certain countries (Kapoor and Singh, 1995). Bond, (1996) reports that 16% of people in Europe are exposed to 40 dB or more of traffic noise in their bedrooms at night compare it with W.H.O.’s average estimates of 30 to 35 dB for undisrupted sleep. Several initiatives have been taken by various countries to check the noise level. For example, USA has taken initiative to create sites where human-caused noise pollution will not be tolerated (Geary, 1996). Similarly, the European Union (with more than 250,000 inhabitants) requires that ‘noise maps’ of big cities are drawn up by 2002 (New Scientist, 1998). To safeguard against ill effects of noise, the laws of Netherlands do not permit building of houses in areas where 24-hour average noise levels exceed 50dB. And in Great Britain, the Noise Act empowers the local authorities to confiscate the noisy equipment and fine people who create excess noise at night. Recently, several countries are Address for correspondence: Dr. Narendra Singh, 643 / 12, Darra Khera, adj. tel. exchange, Thanesar City, Kurukshetra 136 118, Haryana, India Phone: 091 (01744) 234529, E-mail: [email protected] 182 NARENDRA SINGH AND S. C. DAVAR also investing in ‘porous asphalt’ technology, which can curtail traffic noise by up to 5dB. The movement against noise pollution is weak in India. Most of the people do not consider it a pollutant, and take it as a part of routine life. Of late, it has been recognized as a pollutant (Negi et al., 1999). In India, the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 have been framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These are a set of guidelines for regulation and control of noise. The ambient levels of noise for different areas/zones specified in the rules are indicated in chart 1. There are several methods that can be utilized for controlling the level of noise. First of all, the design and technology of machines/equipments could be altered resulting in low noise emission. Secondly, noise barriers may help us control noise. A third method is to protect receptors of sound by a shield e.g. building may be insulated against noise. Similarly, body and window planes may be made sound proof. Apart from technology, we may undertake various steps to modify or regulate the behaviour of users of machines and equipment. Though a legal framework could be enforced to regulate users of vehicles/equipment, but it requires huge resources and good governance. The public education appears to be a good option because it is a social problem. Sheer ignorance about the adverse effects of noise pollution appear to be a key factor in laying inadequate stress on controlling or reducing its levels. To make India a world-class destination for tourism, industry, and a place for healthy living, the development and implementation of a comprehensive noise control programme is a dire need of hour. This study identifies the sources of noise that create noise pollution. Moreover, the study explores the effects of noise on publics and their reactions. Finally, various measures to control the pollution are contemplated. The empirical evidence gathered through this study can be employed for developing appropriate legal and public action programme.