NOISE POLLUTION NUISANCE & HAZARDS

Noise adversely affects the economy by reducing productivity, increasing healthcare costs, affecting property values, and negatively impacting tourism and related businesses.

- DR P.S. VENKATESH RAO

NOISE POLLUTION REGULATION The Supreme Court highlighted the adverse health effects of prolonged exposure to high-decibel noise, particularly on children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions, and the importance of enforcing noise pollution regulations to protect public health and order. It stated that loudspeakers are not essential for any religion and that religious places cannot claim a right to cause noise nuisance. It has restricted loudspeakers and public address systems between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to closed premises like auditoriums, conference rooms, community, and banquet halls. The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules of 2000, set decibel (dB) limits and restricted hours for noise pollution.

Noise pollution is measured with sound level meters on a logarithmic scale; a 10 dB increase means a doubling of perceived loudness. The permissible limit during daytime and night respectively is 75 dB and 70 dB for industrial areas, 65 dB and 55 dB for commercial areas, and 55 dB and 45 dB for residential areas. Noise is harmful above 75 dB and is painful above 120 dB.

The peripheral noise level of a privately owned sound system or instrument is restricted to within 5 dB of the limits specified for that area. Areas around hospitals, educational institutions, court complexes, and government office complexes are notified as silence zones. Despite the Supreme Court criticism, and the National Green Tribunal directions, few states have implemented the rules.