Students prepare ‘noise map’ of Hyderabad; high decibels near Charminar impacting patients in hospitals

Hyderabad: A group of 10 students in Hyderabad conducted a survey, documented cases, and prepared a map showing how noise affects different locations and people.

At a roundtable on ‘Sound Pollution and Its Impact on Different Vulnerable Groups’ at Focus School in Puranai Haveli, the students gave a presentation. The meeting was organised by ASEEM (Association for Socio-Economic Empowerment of the Marginalized) and Focus High School.

Mustafa Hussain Zaidi spoke about the objective of the meeting and the importance of students’ involvement in such activities. He emphasized the need to engage young students in societal issues for their overall development.

Class 10 students took the lead in organizing the meeting as part of their service learning and action component. A presentation highlighted the impact on patients in hospitals located from Shah Ali Banda to Pathergatti during religious and political processions. Similarly, a student recorded sound levels at various locations, revealing high levels of noise in areas like Edi Bazar, Alijah Kotla, Shahli Banda and Charminar due to several factors. Another student gathered testimonials from students and residents experiencing health issues due to noise pollution.

The event brought together parents, students, academicians, experts and social workers.

Sneha Mehra, IPS, DCP South Zone, participated as the chief guest and commended the practical efforts undertaken by the students and Focus School, alongside ASEEM’s role in encouraging students to address societal issues. She also discussed the police department’s initiative to ban the use of DJ music during festivals to curb noise pollution in the city.

Mehra explained that the police had issued guidelines to all function halls, prohibiting music systems, DJs, and baja parties unless permitted by the department as per regulations. She emphasized the importance of community participation and raising awareness about the harmful impact of noise pollution.

Be aware of social problems

Mujahid Hussain, correspondent of Focus Group of Schools, stated that students are the future of the country and must understand the societal challenges they face.

He highlighted the need for students to learn not only academic subjects but also to be aware of social problems and the legal framework of the country. He said education should include knowledge about society and encourage students to be responsible community members working towards solutions for social issues. He stressed that noise pollution negatively affects the mental well-being of vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, and children and that society deserves to be free from such disturbances. He appreciated the initiative and urged the students to advocate for the cause and engage with government officials to resolve this pressing issue.

The meeting was attended by Ahmed Ali Khan, philanthropist; Azhar Maqsosi, social activist (Hunger Has No Religion); N Praveen Pingali, architect and founder of Studio Hiyagriva; Dr Lubna Sarwath, environmental activist; and Ali Asghar, president of ASEEM. They discussed the importance of fostering meaningful dialogue with community leaders, government departments, and NGOs to mobilize action against noise pollution and its detrimental effects.