Control of Noise Pollution

Control of Noise Pollution

It is clear from the previous topic sources of noise pollution that noise generation is mostly associated with most of our daily activities

Noise can be controlled by employing the following techniques:

*        Control at source

*        Control in transmission path

*        Using protective equipment

*        Implementation of rules and regulations

Noise control at source:

o   Advanced technology should be employed in the process of vehicles manufacturing so that they produce no or least noise,

o   Maintenance of the vehicles should be done on regular basis.

o   Superior technology based machinery equipment should be installed in the industries and their regular maintenance is necessary.

o   Public rallies and announcements on loudspeakers should be banned

o   Sound of audio visual aids should not be kept at high volume

o   Noise less electric and electronic gadgets should be used at domestic level

o   Vibration of noise producing materials should be reduced by using proper foundation and rubber padding

o   The use of firecracker on the occasions of festivals should be banned strictly.

o   The military drills and unnecessary mortar shelling should be limited.

   Control in transmission path:

Installation of barriers between noise source and receiver can attenuate the noise level. It acts as an obstacle in the path of noise. Different types of barriers used for the control of noise pollution include:

1.     Berms:

Sloping mound of earth is known as berm. An earth berm is commonly used parallel to highways as a noise control barrier. The height of the berm may vary from 5 to 50 feet. The more the height of the berm the more is its effectiveness in noise control.

2.     Walls and fences:

Walls and fences of concrete, metal, wood or plastic are raised around the houses, offices, and other working places in order to reflect the incoming noise.

3.     Green belts:

Green belt refers to an area or buffer zone comprised of different vegetation that is kept in reserve for an open space around large cities and beyond which industrial activities may not be carried on. A green belt reduces the intensity of sound
Using protection equipment:

Hearing Protection Device (HPD) is a device worn in or on the ears while exposing to high intensity noise to protect the ears from loud noise.

There are a number of hearing protection devices available these include earmuffs, earplugs, electronic hearing protecting devices and semi insert devices.

Implementation of rules and regulations:

Noise pollution Control under the Indian Penal Code (1860)

Under section 268 of the Indian Penal Code noise is considered as public nuisance. The doing of public nuisance has been made punishable under the section 290 of Indian Penal Code. Violators shall be punished with the fine up to 200 rupees.

Noise pollution control under the code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

This procedure enacted to prevent noise pollution and all other categories of pollution. Under section 133 and section 144 of criminal procedure code the executive magistrates empowered to issue orders regarding noise pollution.

Aircraft Act, 1934

This act suggests that aerodromes should be constructed away from residential areas further under this act the central government has supremacy to make rules for manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import or export of any air craft. Under the Indian Aircraft (Public Health) Rules, 1946, the government have the muscle to make rules for the control of noise pollution.

Noise Control under Railway Act, 1989

This act is enacted to give punishment due to nuisance also include nuisance by noise. The offenders may be removed from railway, cancellation of ticket and pass and in addition imprisonment of 6 months and fine of rupees 500 can also be imposed.

The Police Act, 1861

Under the section 30(4) of the Police Act, 1861 the superintendent of police has power to check the problems of noise arising from the music and to standardize which music may be used on streets on the events of festivals and ceremonies.

Air (Prevention and Control of Air Pollution) Act, 1981

Under section 17(1) of this act it is the responsibility of Central Pollution Control board (CPCB) to include noise pollution in their strategies and also lay down the standards for noise along with the standards of air pollutants regarding industrial plans and automobiles sec.17 (1) (g) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

The Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and the Environment Protection Rules, 1986

Section 6 of this act states that the central government can brand guidelines for providing the maximum permissible limits of concentration of various environmental pollutants including noise pollution indifferent areas.

Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2002

Under this act the legislation has divided all areas into four categories

1.     Industrial area (A)

2.     Commercial area (B)

3.     Residential area (C)

4.     Silence zone (D)

    The legislation further states:

ü The government has authority to entitle different areas under different categories or area codes

ü The authority to take decision relating to the implementation of these rules is to designated by central government and can be the District Magistrate, Police Commissioner etc.

ü It is compulsory that an area of 100 meters around hospitals, educational institutions and courts be designated as silence zones,

ü The rules shall also be taken into consideration before the construction of any project.

ü Under this act use of loud speakers to address public shall not be allowed to function in public after 10 pm and till 6 am.

Ambient Air Quality standards in response to noise

Area code	Category of area zone	Limits in dB(A) Leq
		Day time	Night time
A	Industrial area	75	70
B	Commercial area	65	55
C	Residential area	55	45
D	Silence zone	50	40

 Day time shall mean from 06:00am to 10:00pm (16 hours),

Night time shall mean from 10:00pm to 06:00 am (8hours).