Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Environmental Pollution.
Context
With the festival season, such as Diwali, upon us, concerns about noise pollution are once again in the spotlight. India’s bustling roadways, religious gatherings, and festive celebrations significantly contribute to this issue.
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 07 November 2023
Application: where to apply?
When asked about
Causes/Sources of Pollution & Degradation
Prevention & Control of Pollution & Degradation
What is Noise Pollution?
- Noise pollution encompasses any disruptive or excessive noise, characterized by loud and non-harmonious vibrations that are displeasing to the ear.
- The intensity of sound is quantified in decibels (dB), with a decibel scale used to gauge noise pollution and its varying levels.
- Sound intensity levels below 20 dB are akin to a whisper.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sound intensities below 70 dB are generally considered safe for living organisms, regardless of the duration or consistency of exposure.
- Prolonged exposure to constant noise exceeding 85 dB for more than 8 hours may pose a risk to health.
Source: UNEP Frontiers, 2022
Noise Pollution in India
- Cities with Maximum Noise Pollution: UNEP’s 2022 Frontiers Report identifies five Indian cities for their significant noise pollution: Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Asansol, and Moradabad.
- Noise Levels: Among these, Moradabad stands out as the second-noisiest city in the list, registering a maximum noise level of 114 dB. The first position is held by Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a maximum noise value of 119 dB.
- Geographical Coverage: The report ranks a total of 61 cities worldwide, categorized into regions, including 13 from South Asia, 10 from Europe, 10 from West Asia, 11 from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, 7 from Africa, 6 from North America, and 4 from Latin America.
- Dhaka, Bangladesh, claims the top spot as the world’s noisiest city, followed closely by Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Causes of Noise Pollution in India
Primary Sources of Noise Pollution
- Industrial Impact: Industrialization has led to increased noise pollution, with sectors like textile mills, engineering companies, printing presses, and metal industries utilizing large machines and equipment that generate significant noise levels.
- Traffic Troubles: The rise in vehicular traffic, including buses, trains, and trucks, in urban areas has amplified traffic-related noise pollution. Impatient drivers often resort to horn honking, causing disturbances for residents and the environment.
- Aeronautical Clamor: Proximity of airports to residential areas results in substantial noise pollution, particularly due to the take-off and landing of jet planes.
- Urban Chaos: Poor urban planning in developing countries has given rise to crowded housing, small businesses, and disputes over parking, leading to various sources of environmental noise.
- Amplified Announcements: Loud addressing systems at rallies, strikes, elections, and gatherings, as well as open market activities, contribute to noise pollution.
- Agricultural Noise: Farms using noisy equipment such as thrashers, tractors, and harvesters generate high noise levels.
Internal Causes of Noise Pollution
- Construction Clatter: Noise pollution results from construction projects, workshops, and automotive repairs, as the equipment used in these activities generates substantial noise.
- Domestic Discord: Household activities such as door slamming, children playing, furniture moving, and heated arguments contribute to internal noise pollution.
- Home Appliance Related: Various household appliances, including pressure cookers, vacuum cleaners, and air conditioners, produce noise within homes.
- Office Machine Racket: Office equipment such as printers, photocopiers, and typewriters can create noise pollution in the workplace and its vicinity.
Special Case of India
- India’s diverse culture and multiple religions result in a unique situation where various cultural events, festivals, and celebrations contribute significantly to noise pollution.
- Festivals like Diwali, Dussehra, and Onam, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm, involve the use of noisy firecrackers as an integral part of the festivities.
- Ambient Noise Level Assessment during Deepawali by Central Pollution Control Board
- It was conducted at 70 locations across seven major cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
- Observations:
- Out of 70 locations assessed, only 09 meet both day and nighttime standards:
- Peeniya (Industrial) and Whitefield (Industrial) in Bangalore.
- Gaddapotharam (Industrial) in Hyderabad.
- Tartala (Industrial) in Kolkata.
- Talkatora (Industrial), Chinhat (Industrial), and CCS Airport (Commercial) in Lucknow.
- Powai (Industrial) and Andheri (Industrial) in Mumbai.
- All locations in Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai exceed prescribed limits for both day and nighttime.
- Among the 70 locations, only 03 meet day time standards (06 AM to 10 PM):
- Marathali (Commercial) in Bangalore.
- WBPCB HQ (Commercial) in Kolkata.
- CCS Airport (Commercial) in Lucknow.
Permissible Noise Levels in India
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has set the permissible noise levels for different areas in India, taking into consideration both daytime and nighttime standards.
- Industrial Zones:
- Daytime (6 am to 10 pm): 75 dB
- Nighttime (10 pm to 6 am): 70 dB
- Commercial Zones:
- Daytime (6 am to 10 pm): 65 dB
- Nighttime (10 pm to 6 am): 55 dB
- Residential Zones:
- Daytime (6 am to 10 pm): 55 dB
- Nighttime (10 pm to 6 am): 45 dB
- Silent Zones (within 100 meters of schools, colleges, hospitals, and courts):
- Daytime (6 am to 10 pm): 50 dB
- Nighttime (10 pm to 6 am): 40 dB
- Industrial Zones:
What is the Impact of Noise Pollution?
- Auditory Health Consequences:
- Hearing Problems: Undesirable sounds, such as those emitted by jackhammers, machines, airplanes, and vehicles, can lead to auditory health problems.
- Hearing Damage: Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can result in eardrum damage, hearing loss, tinnitus, and even complete deafness.
- Reduced Sensitivity: Noise pollution can reduce our sensitivity to ambient sounds that play a crucial role in maintaining our physiological equilibrium.
- Psychological and Mental Health Impacts:
- Psychological Challenges: Excessive noise, found in workplaces, construction sites, and homes, can have adverse effects on mental well-being.
- Links to Mental Health Issues: Research has established connections between high noise levels and increased aggression, sleep disturbances, stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and hypertension among both humans and animals.
- Aggravation and Long-Term Consequences: As irritation levels rise with increasing noise volumes, individuals may be susceptible to long-term health issues.
- Physical Health Consequences:
- Direct and Indirect Physical Impacts: Physical health issues can manifest as a direct or indirect result of noise exposure.
- Hearing-Related Conditions: Severe hearing loss, conditions like tinnitus (persistent high-pitched ringing in the ears), and paracusis (distorted hearing) are linked to excessive noise.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Short-term exposure to noise pollution may temporarily elevate blood pressure and increase blood viscosity.
- Hypertension: Prolonged exposure to loud noise levels can elevate blood pressure, potentially leading to hypertension.
- Cognitive and Behavioral Changes:
- Cognitive Challenges: Noise pollution can impact cognitive functions, attention spans, and memory, particularly in environments with excessive noise.
- Learning Impediments: Research shows that children living near noisy areas, like airports or train stations, often struggle with learning.
- Behavioral Impacts: Individuals residing near noisy areas may experience more frequent headaches, resort to sleep medications, face an increased risk of accident
- Communication and Structural Effects:
- Communication Hurdles: High-decibel noise can hinder effective communication and disturb emotional balance.
- Structural Damage: Noise pollution can negatively impact non-living structures, potentially leading to damage to buildings and infrastructure.
- Child Development
- Children’s Vulnerability: Children, being more sensitive to noise pollution, experience various health issues, including hearing impairment, and psychological and physical effects.
- Impacts on Wildlife:
- Environmental Effects: Noise pollution extends to wildlife, affecting marine life like whales and dolphins, which can disrupt feeding habits, reproduction, and migration. Land animals, especially birds, also experience detrimental effects from increased noise pollution, notably from air traffic.
Initiatives and Interventions in Noise Pollution Control
- Legislation and Regulation:
- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: Includes noise in the definition of air pollution. Provides Pollution Control Boards to regulate noise from industries under this act.
- Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000: Regulates noise pollution and its sources, defines acceptable noise levels, silence zones, and restrictions on loudspeakers, horns, and more.
- Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986: Prescribes noise standards for various sources, including motor vehicles, air-conditioners, and construction equipment.
- Governmental Actions:
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Established noise pollution monitoring networks in major Indian cities and is continuously expanding its monitoring network.
- Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000: Introduced rules to ban pressure horns and sirens, with penalties for violators.
- Public Awareness: Government initiatives include advisories for noise monitoring during festivals, prohibition of fireworks during certain hours, and awareness programs to discourage firecracker bursting.
- National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN):
- Established 70 noise monitoring stations in 2011 across seven cities to monitor and assess noise levels.
- Judicial Initiatives:
- Revision of Fines: The National Green Tribunal called for revising fines for noise pollution violations.
- Ban on Loudspeakers: The Supreme Court banned the use of loudspeakers and music systems between 10 pm to 6 am in public places (except during emergencies) due to health concerns.
- Use of Loudspeakers: The Bombay High Court ruled that the use of loudspeakers is not a fundamental right.
Addressing Noise Pollution in India: A Path Forward
- Promoting Eco-Friendly Firecrackers: Encourage the use of eco-friendly and less noisy “green” crackers, which were introduced in 2018 by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Collaborate with statutory bodies to mandate their use during festivals to reduce noise pollution while preserving traditions.
- Education and Awareness: Religious organizations should be sensitized to the adverse effects of loud noise and encouraged to adopt quieter practices. Focused campaigns targeting the youth, who are particularly vulnerable to hearing damage from personal music systems, should be initiated.
- Acoustic Zoning: Implement acoustic zoning by creating physical buffers between residential areas and noisy sources like industrial zones, aerodromes, and railway stations.
- Traffic Management: Divert highway traffic away from urban areas using bypasses and over-bridges to reduce noise pollution within towns and cities.
- Soundproofing in Industries: Employ sound-proof chambers for machinery generating excessive noise, reducing its impact on the surrounding environment.
- Green Belt Creation: Establish green belts with vegetation and open spaces in metropolitan areas, leveraging plants as natural noise absorbers, especially for higher-frequency noise.
- Ensuring safety of the Workers: Provide protective gear such as earmuffs or cotton plugs to workers in industries and construction sites to mitigate occupational noise exposure.
- Stringent Enforcement of Silence Zones: Ensure strict adherence to silence zones, especially near schools, colleges, hospitals, and courts, where noise levels should be rigorously controlled.
References:
- The Hindu
- Central Pollution Control Board.
- The UNEP Frontiers’ report.
- National Institutes of Health.