DNA Edit: Long overdue - The NGT has now trained its guns on noise pollution

It is about time India focussed on noise pollution. The hyper-active National Green Tribunal (NGT), after keeping the heat on relevant authorities about atmospheric pollution, has now justifiably trained its guns on noise contamination.

While noise pollution is not exactly regarded as a killer in the same league as the dirty toxic haze that envelops Delhi and parts of the North India during winter months, its impact can be no less debilitating. The NGT has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to prepare a noise pollution map and remedial action plan to tackle this menace.

The green panel said that the absence of implementation of noise pollution norms affects the health of citizens, particularly infants and senior citizens. Accordingly, the CPCB has been asked to identify noise pollution hot spots and categorise cities with specified areas and propose a remedial plan within three months.

More than anything, it is a relook at a plan that already exists. In March 2011, the CPCB established the first part of noise pollution monitoring network in 35 major cities in India, including all the metros. The system is part of the National Environmental Policy adopted in 2006.

Noting that the CPCB had put into place a noise monitoring mechanism, which is functioning on a continuous basis, the NGT asked it to consider setting up of similar mechanisms in towns where noise pollution levels are higher than permissible limits. Involved in such an exercise would be the state pollution boards and state police departments, whose job it would be to procure noise monitoring devices within a period of three months.

The NGT needs to be congratulated on taking its anti-pollution campaign to another level. Noise pollution is a major environmental concern in India. Sadly, awareness about it is strictly limited. Most Indians are subject to loud form of noises for a considerable period of time during the day.

It comes through blowing of horns on the roads, the madness created by loudspeakers, festive-time expression of happiness, processions on streets and thoroughfares, loud background scores of Indian melodramatic serials, all of which lead to a resounding noise explosion.

Consequently, it has led to serious health hazards like hearing loss or impairedness, increasing stress levels, behavioural and mental problems, insomnia, heart ailments, hypertension and other connected diseases. Of particular concern are the country’s overpopulated, urban centres, which are in dire need of preventive measures.

As per the Prevention and Control of Pollution Act implemented in 1981, noise is categorised as an ‘air-pollutant’. According to WHO guidelines, for a sound sleep, noise in a room should not exceed 30dBA. For concentrating in a class room, it should not go beyond 35dBA. Noise levels on a continuous basis, may harm mental as well as physical health on a short and long term basis. Sadly, in a country wrought by air and water pollution, sound is considered relatively harmless.