One of the side effects of modernisation and urbanisation is the increasing level of decibel in town and cities. Noise pollution contributes to several health hazards, like deafness, migraine and nervous disorders generally found in the residents of urban centres. Following are the three measures to reduce noise pollution.

1. It is utmost necessary to enact legal measures against noise pollution. Limits on decibel emission should be imposed. Besides, there should be ban or limited ban against such sources of noise pollution as festival like Diwali, processions, and blaring of loud sparkers at public places for days on certain occasions. No doubt these measures will hurt the religious sentiment of the people but in the long term interest of a noise free or low level noise society, such measures will be necessary.

2. Another important measure to reduce noise would be to create noise free zones. These zones should include Hospitals, Schools and Offices and to a limited extent, the residential colonies also. Unfortunately, due to shortage of space, pressure of population and rampant materialism the distinction between the residential colonies and commercial cum business zones is shrinking in metros like Delhi. The master plan of these cities should take these factors into account and the Municipal administration should strictly enforce the bye-laws and regulations related to settlement norms so as to reduce the level of pollution. Besides, the master plan should carefully conceder the problems related to noise pollution due to traffic and factories.

3. The third measure to control noise pollution would be at the level of technology. Use of silencers must be made compulsory in heavy vehicles and industries generating high decibels. Besides, blaring horns striking straight and hard on ear drums may perhaps be reduced by jingling musical notes. Loud speaker, radio and television manufacturers must be compelled by lay to incorporate lower volumes in their products. Sincere research towards low noise producing engines and machines must be undertaken.