Noise pollution may not be as harmful as water or air pollution but is harmful to human health on prolonged exposure and adds to the general drop in environmental quality. The immediate effects of noise pollution might be increased irritation but prolonged exposure could lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Noise levels on a day to day basis, generated from industrial activity, loud speakers and music systems have harmful effect on the psychological well-being of people. It is observed that mental fatigue and lack of concentration are common side effects of noise pollution. This is often evident in performance of school children when schools are situated in busy areas suffering from noise pollution. Music played loudly during festivals also has a harmful effect on health and disrupts the quality of environment. Concrete steps should be taken by authorities to control noise pollution during festivities. A deadline on timings has to be decided and implemented failing which fines should be levied. Heavy fines should be imposed on usage of public address system or loud speakers without written petition. Musical concerts and shows should be stopped after 12 am.
Meghana Rao,
Bengaluru

Penalise offenders

Dominant sources of noise pollution are vehicles. The Bureau of Indian Standards has prescribed norms for control of noise pollution in domestic and industrial sources. State Pollution Control Board should have noise measurement instruments and adopt suitable control techniques for noise reduction like sound level meter, impulse meters, noise dosimeters. Excessive noise results in loss of hearing and sleeplessness and people should wear ear protectors. The police as enforcers of law should penalise noise polluters with stringent penalty. They should create awareness among people to respect silent zones like hospitals, schools, etc and fine habitual offenders.Those who live near industrial areas, and aerodromes are forced to put up with deafening noise. What cannot be cured should be endured as noise is the inevitable result of urbanisation and motorised transport. Cycling should be promoted by authorities by creating special lanes for cyclists in the interest of air and noise pollution.
Banu S.,
Bengaluru