NOISY ???? EVEN RULES ARE UNSOUND !!!!

As the season of firecrackers and loudspeakers rolls in, here is Fresh evidence from WHO about the harmful effects of noise pollution. In a survey it released recently, WHO identified 5 broad sources of noise pollution.

India introduced its Noise Pollution Rules in 2000, but the WHO guidelines are based on newer research. A comparison shows India’s permissible thresholds are much higher.

How Noise Pollution is Classified?

WHO identifies five sources:

1. Road traffic
2. Railways
3. Aircraft
4. Wind turbines
5. Leisure

India frames noise pollution rules for zones:

1. Industrial
2. Commercial
3. Residential
4. Silent

Road Traffic:

WHO Guidelines:

1. Day time limit: 53 dB
2. Night time limit: 45 dB *

* Noise higher than this level affects sleep.

India has a higher threshold:

1. Motorbikes, scooters and 3-wheelers: 80 dB
2. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles: 82-85 dB
3. Larger vehicles: 89-91 dB

Railway:

WHO Guidelines:

1. Day time limit: 54 dB
2. Night time limit: 44 dB

India says people, especially in areas that have railway tracks, need protection from rail noise but there are no specifics.

Aircraft:

WHO Guidelines:

1. Day time limit: 54 dB
2. Night time limit: 44 dB

India lays down safeguards, but does not cap safe decibel levels.

Wind turbine:

WHO Guidelines:

Limit: below 45 dB (no recommendation for night noise exposure)

India says people, especially in areas that have railway tracks, need protection from rail noise but there are no specifics.

Leisure:

WHO Guidelines:

WHO says yearly average of all leisure noise sources should be 70 dB

Indian Rules says:

1. Loudspeakers cannot be used between 10 pm and 6 am, noise level should not exceed the standard for the zone by more than 11 dB.
2. Firecrackers with noise of more than 90 dB at 5 m distance from the site of bursting are banned.

India’s Ceiling for Industrial or commercial areas is higher than WHO guidelines

Industrial area

1. Day time limit: 75 dB
2. Night time limit: 70 dB

Commercial area

1. Day time limit: 65 dB
2. Night time limit: 55 dB

Residential area

1. Day time limit: 55 dB
2. Night time limit: 45 dB

Silence zone

1. Day time limit: 50 dB
2. Night time limit: 40 dB

Effect on Health:

• WHO says noise pollution causes sleep disturbance, hearing problems, heart disease and leads to poorer work performance.
• Less than 30 dB noise in bedrooms at night for good quality sleep and less than  35 dB  in classrooms.

Remedies:

• India can make rapid progress in cutting noise pollution if we start with our roads.
• No honking campaigns are organizing by various NGOs or institutions.

Matter Referenced:  Times of India, Ahmedabad, Friday, 19th October, 2018.

By: Dr. Bhawana Asnani.

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