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Dhaka

Ear-drum ripping noises

Sound pollution, which has long been identified as a major environmental

hazard in the city, is assuming a more and more intractable character in the

absence of any effective steps to regulate what has become a free-for-all

civic nuisance. A survey recently conducted by two non-government

organisations shows that the existing level of sound pollution in the city

at 71 decibel on an average, even in so-called quiet areas, is much above

the permissible limit.

A WHO study has revealed that noise pollution could cause no fewer than 30

diseases, some of which would be life-threatening. Harmful effects of high

decibel cacophony on the human mind and body are well known. The sources of

such pollution are not far to seek. Yet, successive governments have failed

to do anything to contain them. This government had decided to frame a set

of rules to control sound pollution in 2004, but nothing concrete has been

heard about it since.

Yes, the policy-makers are convinced that pollution has to be contained in

the interest of public health, but the realisation is not reflected through

any administrative action. They do not have any plan of action as such.

Otherwise, the indiscriminate use of loudspeakers and hydraulic horns would

have been prevented by now. Obviously, unplanned growth of the city is one

reason why certain areas are more susceptible to the scourge than others.

This obviously is a problem that will have to be handled on a long-term

basis. But the law enforcers should be able to eliminate the irritants like

blaring of horns and indiscriminate use of loudspeakers in residential areas

without ado. The traffic police are under instructions not to allow hooting

of hydraulic horns, but we don't yet see any practical application of the

taboo.

Sound pollution is causing great damage to public health and as such will

have to be treated as an environmental problem, energy sapper and a health

hazard. The inordinate delay in adopting a guideline to combat this menace

cannot be countenanced any longer. The government must adopt an action plan

to muffle the noises around us or find civic life debilitated.