Little noise about noise pollution

Business Line
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Tuesday, Oct 08, 2002

Little noise about noise pollution

P. P. Sangal

Apart from causing hearing impairment, noise pollution can play havoc with the nervous system, affecting the physical and psychological behaviour of the individuals. But the Noise Pollution Rules seem to be observed more in the breach, with implementing authorities unwilling to interfere with cultural celebrations.

NOISE pollution, unlike air, water, land/soil pollution, is not taken seriously in our country. It appears that control of noise pollution remains a domain of the developed West. It is due to our sheer ignorance about the hazards of noise pollution.

The main factors contributing to noise pollution are vehicular traffic, industrial activities, various electrical appliances, sources of entertainment such as blaring musical systems, TVs, public address systems, running trains and air traffic, splutter of gensets every time power breaks down, and so on. It is mostly the people living in metropolitan cities or other big towns or those working in factories who are victims of noise pollution and it affects the rich and the poor alike. While the problem is on a much smaller scale in small towns and villages, those residing or working in buildings along the main highways or close to railway tracks are also affected to a great extent.

According to a study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, exposure to noise pollution exceeding 75 decibels (db) for more than eight hours daily over a long period of time can cause loss of hearing due to destruction of hair cells of the inner ear and also the sensitive nerve fibres. The hazard increases with the intensity of the noise and the period of exposure. The sound produced by a bursting cracker, exceeding 150 db, can cause a ringing sensation called `tinnitus' and can impair hearing permanently, according to ENT specialists. The study also reveals that about 1 per cent of the population suffers from noise-induced pollution. There is a hearing loss among 43 per cent of the workers at Bokaro Steel Plant, Durgapur. But, who cares?

It is just not hearing at risk. Noise pollution can play havoc with the nervous system, affecting the physical and psychological behaviour of the individuals. It may cause nausea, vomiting, pain, hypertension, high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. A survey of more than 1,000 people in Kolkata, carried in 1998, revealed that 28 per cent suffered from hypertension and irritability caused by traffic noises. Similarly, a study by the Post-graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chennai, confirmed that in 50 per cent of the industries, workers exposed to higher intensities of sound are short- tempered with tendency to even disrupt production.

Noise pollution may also cause insomnia and impair sexual performance and also learning ability in children. Unborn children are at risk too if they are exposed to high level noise during pregnancy as it affects the immature `cochlea' — the spiral cavity of the ear. Babies born to the weavers are a case in point. Such babies are hard of hearing because they are exposed to the loud clacking of looms long before they take birth.

Studies in the US have shown that in case of a disc jockey at a night club, working four-hour shift only three days a week for 10 years, there is a 40 per cent chance that he will not be able hear a normal conversation. A voluntary organisation `Mumbai Grahak Panchayat' working for noise pollution has discovered that the average of deafness in India has gone down from 70 years to 50 years now. Is it not alarming? Many such studies by reputed agencies can be quoted.

It must be known that noise levels in residential areas should not exceed 55 db. But the noise levels generated by various sources, which matter in our daily life, are much higher. For example, a telephone bell rings at 70 db, TVs produce 70 db, vacuum cleaners produce noise at 80 db, vehicle noise goes unto 90 db, motor bikes produce 110 db at acceleration, amplified rock band has a noise level of 120 db and a jet air plane takes off at 140 db. Thus, we are constantly being harmed by noise pollution... silently.

A study by NEERI has revealed that noise levels in residential, commercial and industrial areas and silent zones of Delhi and priority towns of NCR far exceed the standards prescribed by CPCB. The average noise level in Delhi is 80 db in excess of recommended 55 db.

Despite so many dangers of noise pollution, The Environment Protection Act (1986) made just a passing reference to noise pollution. Although a notification was further issued in 1989 on ambient air quality standards vis-à-vis noise, but it hardly made any impact on controlling noise pollution. Fourteen years later in February 2000, Ministry of Environment and Forests woke up to the dire need for regulation and formulated the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules. The salient features of these rules are that the State governments, being the implementation authority, should initiate the process of controlling noise pollution by classifying the areas into residential, commercial, industrial and silent zones. The rules further provide that the governments should ensure that the noise levels do not exceed the prescribed limits. Although these rules are used by the judiciary to pass orders in cases where there is a violation, the implementing authority consider it politically incorrect to interfere with the cultural and religious celebrations. So, of what use are these rules.

In view of the above grim scenario, it is necessary to think of some measures to curb noise pollution. Some of the suggestions are as under:

Provide green cover along the main roads, railway tracks, and so on. Provide thick foliage between road dividers. To abate noise pollution by honking of vehicles, they should be compulsorily fitted with the type of horns as specified in the CMV (Rules) of 1998. The violators should be prosecuted and punished but till date no such action seems to have been taken. Roads with high intensity of vehicular movement should be made of porous asphalt, as done by the Netherlands, for busy roads carrying more than 35,000 vehicles a day. All factory workers should wear earmuffs. Public awareness about noise hazards to be created through TVs, popular seminars and simple published material. Noise pollution to be introduced as a subject in schools. The administration should implement, without fear, Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000. Non-implementation of court orders, in respect of violators of the above rules, by the executive should be treated as contempt of court. The airlines should conform to noise regulations by using hush kitted or new generation aircrafts to reduce noise levels around airports. If we are serious about controlling noise pollution, we have to create awareness among the masses about the resulting hazards and trauma to their health due to noise. There is no cure for noise-induced permanent deafness and so the only choice is to prevent it through awareness. Regulatory authority can achieve precious little on their own as our past experience with industrial pollution has also shown. It is the community power that has helped in combating industrial pollution as brought out in the World Bank report entitled `Greening Industry: Communities, Markets and the Governments'. Some competent NGOs must take on the task of abating noise pollution by generating people's movement. Religious functions and the like should be no reason to cause noise pollution, as observed by the Supreme Court of India. (The author, a former Director of CSO, is a consultant on environment and poverty alleviation.)

UK's Noise Abatement Society (NAS)

Civic Initiatives, Campaigns, Ecological Societies, Foundations

Noise Abatement Society (NAS)

http://www.eco-web.com/register/04336.html

Charity in Noise Pollution to Offer the Public Direct Access to Advice; Environmental Information - Public Organisations: NGOs, Civic Initiatives, Campaigns, Ecological Societies, Foundations; Noise Protection - General Noise Protection Engineering: Architectural Acoustics, Soundproofing Design, Noise and Vibration Reduction Studies

Street	26 Brunswick Terrace, Flat 2
City	Brighton, East Sussex BN3 1HJ
Country	United Kingdom
Telephone	(+44) 1273 - 82 38 51
Facsimile	(+44) 1273 - 82 35 95
	@ ⓦ
Activities	Charity in Noise Pollution to Offer the Public Direct Access to Advice

Updated 2007-01-03

Areas of Involvement - Cross References

	Environmental Information Public Organisations
	Noise Protection General Noise Protection Engineering

◄

Environmental Noise Pollution : Causes, Evils, Legislation and Controls/Vijendra Mahandiyan

...the pollution of any kind is a slow poison, but 'environmental noise' is such a pollution, which is dire enemy of human brain and does not spare even animals and properties too...

Environmental Noise Pollution : Causes, Evils, Legislation and Controls/Vijendra Mahandiyan. New Delhi, Deep & Deep, 2006, xl, 446 p., $55. ISBN 81-7629-830-1.

Contents: Preface. Prelude. Abbreviations/Acronyms. 1. Introduction. 2. Causes of noise pollution. 3. Evil effects of noise pollution. 4. Sustainable development and quality of environment. 5. Legislation and judiciary. 6. Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the duties of citizens. 7. Control of noise pollution: constructive suggestions. Appendices. Table of cases. Bibliography. Index.

"It is perhaps the first time, when human is dying of environmental pollution in hunt of overnight development and technological advancements. Though, the pollution of any kind is a slow poison, but 'environmental noise' is such a pollution, which is dire enemy of human brain and does not spare even animals and properties too. The noise pollution is in no way lesser hazardous than the air and water pollution. But, comprehensive legislation like water and air pollution is yet to be passed on noise. Although, the sweat music and soneral voice brings joy cordiality relaxations mental peace and makes life worth living but undesired noise brings disturbances to peace mental disorders and hence makes the life miserable. It is heartening that original text of Indian constitution is free from the word environment. In a long series of labour laws in India, the noise pollution is left unattended. It is only 1987, when environmental noise has been recognized, as a pollutant in India but public at large is still unaware about health hazards and remedies of the same.

To control noise pollution is a great cause before the whole humanity for its survival. This cause became the subject matter to this treatise. The book contains evil effects, causes and available legislation on noise pollution. A true effort has been attempted to comment upon legal provisions or case law on noise pollution. A need of sustainable development has been emphasized through this book. Role of NGOs and duties of citizens has been discussed in a lucid manner. The book is a practical approach to make the people understand their fundamental right to peaceful environment because rule of law must defend the rule of life and life will survive only when the biosphere is safe. Sustainable development is not a new idea, but growing concern of its problems and challenges on the globe is an additional feather of this book. The golden thread is the control of noise pollution, legal or extra legal.

The 'noise', an omen to human existence has now become a silent killer of the same; hence noise against the noise is constraining out.

The book explains in lucid language as under: the mechanism, how a sound enters the brain through ears and becomes noise; the existing noise levels in India and abroad with recommended safe limits; the environmental management in India; constitutions on environment; scattered law in Indian statutes on noise; noise, when amounts to an actionable nuisance; theory of substantial damage; evolution of environmental law in India; Judicial activism and environmental education; fundamental rights and the environment; right to clean environment; noise pollution versus right to religion; the role of public interest litigations; Asian country's constitution on environment; clean environment: a neglected human right and citizen's ignored duty." (jacket)

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GoI proposes a BILL to curb NGO - as they make noise!

NGOs ask difficult questions and make loud noise regarding matters that the grand Officer/Commissioner would rather not have publicly aired.

http://www.indianexpress.com/story/160349._.html

Delhi- Pollution White Paper. Lofty. Practised?

WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION IN DELHI

WITH AN ACTION PLAN

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS
PARYAVARAN BHAWAN, C.G.O. COMPLEX
LODHI ROAD, NEW DELHI-110003

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 : Introduction

CHAPTER 2 : Air Pollution

CHAPTER 3 : Vehicular Pollution

CHAPTER 4 : Water Pollution

CHAPTER 5 : Solid Waste Management

CHAPTER 6 : Industrial Pollution

CHAPTER 7 : Noise Pollution

CHAPTER 8 : Institutional and Planning Aspects

CHAPTER 9 : Public Participation and General Awareness

CHAPTER 10 : Action Points : General

Abbreviations in action plan

List of Meetings/Participants

CHAPTER 7

Noise Pollution

1.0 Noise has been notified as a pollutant under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The main sources of noise pollution are automobiles, construction equipments, loudspeakers, bursting of crackers, etc. Noise is described as unwanted sound that produces deleterious effects on health and affects the physical and psychological well being of the people. In general terms, noise induced ailments are preventable but are difficult to cure after they have occurred. In recent times, public concerns about the rising trends in noise pollution have increased. High noise levels result in auditory fatigue and deafness. The non-auditory effects relate to interference with speech, causing annoyance and affecting efficiency. Increasing noise levels are also resulting in major social problems. Ambient standards in respect of sound for different categories of areas - residential, commercial, industrial and silence zones - have been notified under the Environment (Protection) Act. In many areas of Delhi the ambient noise levels far exceed the prescribed standards. In this respect, there is the need for regulating the use of loudspeakers, DG sets and use of horns in vehicles.

2.0 Ambient Noise Standards: Ambient air quality standards in respect of noise for different categories of areas (residential, commercial, industrial and sensitive) have been notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which are as follows:

    
--------------------------------------------------------       
       Category of area         Limits in decibels/dB
                                  Day       Night
--------------------------------------------------------
       Industrial area            75         70
       Commercial area            65         55
       Residential area           55         45
       Silence Zone               50         40
--------------------------------------------------------

3.0 Noise Standards at Manufacturing Stage:

Noise limits have also been prescribed at the manufacturing stage for automobiles, domestic appliances and construction equipment, which are as follows:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Limits in dB(A)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a)  Motorcycle, Scooters and Three Wheelers                            80
(b)  Passenger Cars                                                     82
(c)  Passenger Commercial Vehicles upto 4 MT                            85
(d)  Passenger or Commercial Vehicles above  4 MT and upto 12 Mt        89
(e)  Passenger or Commercial Vehicles exceeding 12 MT                   91
(f)  Window Air Conditioners of 1 to 1.5 ton                            68
(g)  Air Coolers                                                        60
(h)  Diesel Generators for domestic purposes                         85-90
(I)  Refrigerators                                                      46
(j)  Compactors (rollers) Front Loaders, Concrete Mixers,
    Cranes (Movables) Vibrators and Saws                               75
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.0 Codes of Practice: Besides above, the Code of practice for controlling noise other than industries and automobiles has been brought out for the following areas:

       
       -   Public Address Systems;
       -   Aircraft Operations;
       -   Railway Operations;
       -   Construction Activities and ;
       -   Bursting of Crackers.

5.0 Survey by Delhi Pollution Control Committee: The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has conducted noise survey in Delhi from August to October, 1996 in different parts of Delhi. The analysis of primary and secondary data and the indices have brought out the following noise pollution scenario in Delhi:

• Three wheelers, trucks and motorcycles remain the chief source or noise pollution on Delhi roads followed by generators in the residential, commercial and industrial locations.
• Fifteen of the forty six residential locations have noise level within the tolerable limits for over 90% of the time of the day. On the other extreme, 12 locations are noisy round the clock. The rural areas which are away from the main National highways have not yet caught up with the noise problem barring the locations where unauthorised industrial activities are taking place.
• All major commercial areas remain noisier than the tolerable limits with Chandni Chowk remaining highly noisy round the clock.
• Industrial areas by and large remained within the prescribed limits.
• Sensitive locations including the silence zones, including hospital areas, are alarmingly noisy.
• All major traffic corridors are highly noisy with peaks even crossing 100 dBA mark. Mahipalpur Crossing on NH-8 is noisiest round the clock. Andrew's Ganj Crossing on Ring Road is also alarmingly noisy.

6.0 Recomme ndations by DPCC to control Noise in Delhi: The DPCC survey report has recommended following steps for control of noise in Delhi:

• Ban on Pressure Horns to be effectively implemented.
• Well designed silencers and mufflers be installed on the vehicles, preferably at the manufacturers level. 3-Wheeler Autos to be phased out.
• Synchronised traffic signalling to be introduced on Ring Road and all other major traffic corridors including National Highways within the city limits.
• A comprehensive Traffic Management Plan including effective implementation and extension of traffic restrictions, construction of sub-ways and fly-overs be chalked out on priority. Only mild slope to be provided on approach roads of the fly overs.
• Use of generators for commercial and residential purposes may be banned. Generators used for industrial purposes should be properly enclosed and equipped with noise muffling devices.
• Extensive plantation of trees on the road curbs and the road side colonies be undertaken in a definite time target. North Delhi to be given priority.
• Hoardings of noise absorbent materials be encouraged.
• Adequate noise barriers be created around the hospitals schools and other locations in silence zones.
• City development plan to take adequate steps in advance to protect the habitants from the road side noise.
• Prescribed standards for home appliances and industrial machinery be enforced effectively.
• Mass awareness programmes be launched for people's participation, in noise abatement programme aided by continuous noise monitoring and display network at important locations in Delhi.

7.0 Loudspeakers: The stipulation of point noise standards for loudspeakers will enable their regulation under the environmental laws. Presently, the use of loudspeakers is regulated under laws pertaining to public nuisance or which relate to maintenance of law and order.

8.0 Generator sets: There are approximately 1 to 1.5 lakh portable electricity generating sets in Delhi in use in commercial and residential areas. The use of generator sets needs to be regulated under the municipal laws. Acoustic hoods should be made mandatory to muffle the sound. Point noise standards for generating sets will have to be prescribed under the environmental laws.

9.0 Regulation of Horns: The Motor Vehicles Act and the rules framed thereunder stipulate that every motor vehicle shall be constructed and maintained so as to conform to the noise standards approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards. While certain noise limits have been prescribed in the Environment (Protection) Act for automobiles at the manufacturing stage, provision also has to be made for regulating the use of horns while a vehicle is in use.

What the Government says on NOISE(ing)

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 14 February, 2000

S.O. 123(E).- Whereas the increasing ambient noise levels in public places from various sources, inter-alia, industrial activity, construction activity, generator sets, loud speakers, public address systems, music systems, vehicular horns and other mechanical devices have deleterious effects on human health and the psychological well being of the people, it is considered necessary to regulate and control noise producing and generating sources with the objective of maintaining the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise;

Whereas a draft of Noise Pollution (Control and Regulation) Rules, 1999 was published under the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment and Forests vide number S.O. 528 (E) dated the 2e June, 1999 inviting objections and suggestions from all the persons likely to be affected thereby, before the expiry of the period of sixty days from the date on which the copies of the Gazette containing the said notification are made available to the public-,

And whereas copies of the said Gazette were made available to the public on the I" day of July, 1999.

And whereas the objections and suggestions received from the public in respect of the said draft rules have been duly considered by the Central Government-,

Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (ii) of sub-section (2) of section 3, sub-section (1) and clause (b) of sub-section (2) of section 6 and section 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) read with rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules for the regulation and control of noise producing and generating sources, namely:

The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000

1 Short-title and commencement.

(1) These rules may be called the-Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. Definitions.- In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,

(a) "Act" means the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986);

(b) "area/zone" means all areas which fall in either of the four categories given in the Schedule annexed to these rules;

(c) "authority" means any authority or officer authorised by the Central Government, or as the case may be, the State Government in accordance with the laws in force and includes a District Magistrate, Police Commissioner, or any other officer designated for the maintenance of the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise under any law for the time being in force;

(d) "person" in relation to any factory or premises means a person or occupier or his agent, who has control over the affairs of the factory or premises;

(e) "State Government" in relation to a Union territory means the Administrator thereof appointed under article 239 of the Constitution.

3. Ambient air guality standards in respect of noise for different areas/zones.

(1) The ambient air quality standards in respect of noise for different areas/zones shall be such as specified in the Schedule annexed to these rules.

(2) The State Government may categorize the areas into industrial, commercial, residential or silence areas/zones for the purpose of implementation of noise standards for different areas.

(3) The State Government shall take measures for abatement of noise including noise emanating from vehicular movements and ensure that the existing noise levels do not exceed the ambient air quality standards specified under these rules.

(4) All development authorities, local bodies and other concerned authorities while planning developmental activity or carrying out functions relating to town and country planning shall take into consideration all aspects of noise pollution as a parameter of quality of life to avoid noise menace and to achieve the objective of maintaining the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise.

(5) An area comprising not less than 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutions and courts may be declared as silence area/zone for the purpose of these rules.

4. Responsibility as to enforcement of noise pollution control measures.

(1) The noise levels in any area/zone shall not exceed the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise as specified in the Schedule.

(2) The authority shall be responsible for the enforcement of noise pollution control measures and the due compliance of the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise.

5. Restrictions on the use of loud speakers/public address s1stem.

(1) A loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used except after obtaining written permission from the authority.

(2) A loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used at night (between 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.) except in closed premises for communication within, e.g. auditoria, conference rooms, community halls and banquet halls.

6. Consequences of any violation in silence zone/area.

Whoever, in any place covered under the silence zone/area commits any of the following offence, he shall be liable for penalty under the provisions of the Act:

(i) whoever, plays any music or uses any sound amplifiers,

(ii) whoever, beats a drum or tom-tom or blows a horn either musical or pressure, or trumpet or beats or sounds any instrument, or

(iii) whoever, exhibits any mimetic, musical or other performances of a nature to 44raq crowds.

7. Complaints to be made to the authority.

(1) A person may, if the noise level exceeds the ambient noise standards by 10 dB(A) or more given in the corresponding columns against any area/zone, make a complaint to the authority.

(2) The authority shall act on the complaint and take action against the violator in accordance with the provisions of these rules and any other law in force.

8. Power to vrohibit etc. continuance of music sound or noise.

(1) If the authority is satisfied from the report of an officer incharge of a police station or other information received by him that it is necessary to do so in order to prevent annoyance, disturbance, discomfort or injury or risk of annoyance, disturbance, discomfort or injury to the public or to any person who dwell or occupy property on the vicinity, he may, by a written order issue such directions as he may consider necessary to any person for preventing, prohibiting, controlling or regulating:

(a) the incidence or continuance in or upon any premises of -

(i) any vocal or instrumental music,

(ii) sounds caused by playing, beating, clashing, blowing or use in any manner whatsoever of any instrument including loudspeakers, public address systems, appliance or apparatus or contrivance which is capable of producing or re-producing sound, or

(b) the carrying on in or upon, any premises of any trade, avocation or operation or process resulting in or attended with noise.

(2) The authority empowered under sub-rule (1) may, either on its own motion, or on the application of any person aggrieved by an order made under sub-rule (1), either rescind, modify or alter any such order:

Provided that before any such application is disposed of, the said authority shall afford to the applicant an opportunity of appearing before it either in person or by a person representing him and showing cause against the order and shall, if it rejects any such application either wholly or in part, record its reasons for such rejection.

SCHEDULE
(see rule 3(l) and 4(l)

Ambient Air Quality Standards in respect of Noise

Area Code	Category of Area/Zone	Limits in dB(A) Leq *
		Day Time	NightTime
(A)	Industrial area	75	70
(B)	Commercial area	65	55
(C)	Residential area	55	45
(D)	Silence Zone	50	40

Note

1. Day time shall mean from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.

2. Night time shall mean from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.

3. Silence zone is defined as an area comprising not less than 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutions and courts. The silence zones are zones which are declared as such by the competent authority.

4. Mixed categories of areas may be declared as one of the four above mentioned categories by the competent authority.

*dB(A) Leq denotes the time weighted average of the level of sound in decibels on scale A which is relatable to human hearing.

A "decibel" is a unit in which noise is measured.

"A", in dB(A) Leq, denotes the frequency weighting in the measurement of noise and corresponds to frequency response characteristics of the human ear.

Leq : It is an energy mean of the noise level, over a specified period.

[F. No. Q-14012/l/96-CPA]
VIJAI SHARMA, R. Secy.

Rattling of Autos in Chennai

Chennai roads are cursed with high-decibel tune RATTLERS, which emit, highly disturbing noise. Everybody, you & me including - appear to have put up with it so nicely! How we allow ourselves to be taken for granted, against this noise.

I wish to constitute a NGO - against this noise menace.

I invite relevant suggestions.

We may form a club of like minded persons, who would lobby with the teeth-less PCBs, both State & Central and get it some good teeth.

Police are supposed to CURB this menace, su-moto. Perhaps, they are busy with 'helmet' enforcemment etc and sundry affairs. They should be educated first. The super cops are not traveling in this ordinary-mortals road, but travel in their cosy transports, and they could not 'listen' to this 'sound of music'.

Other politicos are also not concerned about the much harrassed citizens like me.

God Bless us.