Noise pollution and its impact

 Noise from bulldozers, pneumatic hammers, dump trucks and pavement breakers during construction of roads and buildings is a major source of noise pollution.

 Noise from aircraft: take –off and landing of commercial planes, and low –flying military aircraft cause disturbance and annoyance to the people who reside close to airports.

 Noise from railroads: railway workers and communicates that reside close to railway stations and railway yards affected by the noise from train engines, horns and whistles, and switching and shunting operations.

 The noise pollution (regulation and Control) rules, 2000 suggest that the noise around our homes during the day, that is, from 06.00 a.m. to 10p.m. should be about 55 decibels. At night, this should come down to 45 decibels. Any sound above this range is noise pollution.

 The most obvious problem in the way of reducing noise pollution is that many people are not even aware that noise pollution is a problem and that it harmful effects on human health and the environment! Therefore, the most important step in reducing noise pollution is to create awareness about the impact of noise pollution and how to reduce it.

 The awareness can be created through community programs. Other methods that is helpful in the reduction of noise pollution.

• Manipulating the source of the noise, for instance turning down the volume of TV or radio.

• Instituting laws that prevent heavy vehicles from plying in residential areas. For example, banning the use of horns near police station, schools and hospitals.

• Better town planning, setting up industries and manufacturing units away from residential areas, leaving enough space between houses and streets. Constructing high-rise buildings on either side of buy streets can shelter low –rise buildings behind them from noise.

• Following appropriate architectural techniques, choosing proper buildings materials, making sound-proof houses and making the windows double-glazed. Trees and shrubs, planted in front of buildings can absorb noise to some extent.

In India, ambient standards heave been set for different areas have been set for different areas (residential, commercial, industrial) and silence have been identified under the environment (protection) Act, 1986. Noise limits have been prescribed for automobiles, domestic appliances and construction equipment. A noise limit has been set for generator sets, firecrackers and coal mines. Any person who violates the law can be held guilty and be punished by the court of law.