Cases booked under sound pollution tripled in last 3 yrs: Hyderabad Traffic cops
In view of the increasing noise pollution cases, the traffic police issued a set of guidelines and requested the public to cooperate to make Hyderabad the ‘Best Liveable and Non-Polluted City’
By Newsmeter Network Published on 19 Oct 2021 6:44 PM IST
Hyderabad: According to the Hyderabad Traffic Police, the cases booked for noise pollution in the city have tripled over the last three years from 2019 to 2021 whereas air pollution cases became 1/10th during the same period.
As per data, the incidents of noise pollution were 4,866 cases in 2019, 2,163 cases in 2020 and 12,938 cases in 2021 till September 30. The incidents for air pollution were 18,430 cases in 2019, 6,022 cases in 2020 and 1,977 cases in 2021 till September 30.
In view of the increasing noise pollution cases, the traffic police issued a set of guidelines and requested the public to cooperate to make Hyderabad the 'Best Liveable and Non-Polluted City' in the country.
The traffic police advised the public to follow the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 when fitting horns and silencers. According to Rule 119, horns should be capable of giving audible sufficient warning of the approach and position of the vehicle. No motor vehicle shall be fitted with any multi-toned horn or with any other sound-producing device giving an unduly harsh, shrill, loud or alarming noise. Rule 120 explains the type of silencer to be fitted to the vehicle (for the escape of exhaust gases from engine) and noise standard specified in Part-E of Schedule-6 to the Environment (Protection) Rules-1986.
According to Section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, any person who drives or causes or allows to be driven, in any public place a motor vehicle, which violates the standards prescribed in relation to road safety, control of noise and air pollution, shall be punishable for the first offence with a fine of Rs 1,000 and for any second or subsequent offence with a fine of Rs 2,000.
Further, the police advised the youth in the city not to violate the Motor Vehicles Rules 1989. Their parents were also advised to ensure that violations don't happen.
The traffic police also informed the public about the effects of noise pollution on high blood pressure and long-term impacts like hospitalization. Noise pollution also leads to rare chances of death. In a study, it was revealed that traffic noise was associated with cardiovascular defects in all adults 25 years or above and the elderly aged 75 years or above. It shows that long-term exposure to road traffic noise increases the risk of death and the risk of cardiovascular disease in the population. It will also damage our hearing by causing tinnitus or deafness.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), noise about 65 decibels (dB) is noise pollution. Noise becomes harmful when it exceeds 75dB and is painful above 120dB. Hence, it is recommended to keep noise levels below 65dB during the day and it also indicates that restful sleep is impossible with night time ambient noise levels in excess of 30dB.
