Answer

Introduction

Noise pollution, legally classified as an air pollutant under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, has emerged as a significant public health hazard in Indian cities. Chronic exposure contributes to hypertension, sleep disruption, stress, and cognitive decline, yet monitoring, enforcement, and urban planning remain inadequate, allowing its persistence to threaten health and equity.

Body

Key reasons for the persistence of noise pollution in towns and cities

• Inadequate monitoring: Noise levels are measured sporadically, leaving policymakers unaware of the true scale of the problem, making interventions reactive rather than preventive.
  Eg: Unlike air pollution, India lacks widespread real-time noise sensors, leading to incomplete data and an inability to track high-risk zones systematically.
• Weak enforcement: Existing laws such as the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, are poorly enforced, reducing their effectiveness in controlling urban noise.
• Fragmented governance: Responsibility is spread across multiple authorities like pollution control boards, municipalities, and police, creating gaps in accountability and implementation.
• Cultural tolerance and practices: Noisy social and cultural habits are widely accepted, making compliance difficult and normalized across urban populations.
• Occupational and residential vulnerability: Noise disproportionately affects low-income groups who lack resources to shield themselves, leading to chronic health risks.
  Eg: Delivery workers and residents of informal settlements face continuous exposure, unlike wealthier communities that can afford quieter homes or noise barriers.

Multi-pronged strategy to mitigate the impact of noise pollution

• Treat noise as a priority pollutant: Integrate noise into public health and clean-air agendas, ensuring it is addressed as seriously as air or water pollution.
• Expand monitoring and data collection: Deploy real-time sensors and machine-learning tools to map exposure levels, identify primary noise sources, and guide targeted interventions.
  Eg: Cities could create integrated noise maps distinguishing traffic, construction, and industrial noise, enabling authorities to focus enforcement in the most affected areas.
• Urban planning and green buffers: Incorporate trees, parks, and zoning regulations to shield residential areas from high-intensity noise corridors.
  Eg: Green belts along highways and major roads to absorb traffic sound.
• Governance reforms: Strengthen inter-agency coordination, enforce regulations and ensure accountability in noise management through transparent reporting and penalties.
• Community engagement and equity focus: Promote awareness, reshape cultural norms, and prioritize protection for vulnerable populations who face the highest exposure.

Conclusion

Noise pollution in Indian cities is an overlooked dimension of environmental governance, with health risks comparable to air pollution. Beyond stricter laws and monitoring, India must adopt innovative solutions like urban noise mapping, smart traffic design, and quieter technologies. Acknowledging the right to silence as essential for well-being is crucial for sustainable urban living.

DOWNLOAD PDF