National Green Tribunal’s controls on sound pollution are well-intentioned. They must be more comprehensive
Amid concentrated efforts to keep a check on the rising level of air pollution in various parts of India, there has been an urgent need to control the peaking level of noise pollution as well. This invisible form of pollution, now being termed as ‘environmental noise', is taking a silent toll. It is causing elevated stress conditions, giving rise to hypertension, increasing blood pressure levels besides triggering cardiovascular complications.
Noise pollution effects the delicate urban wildlife as well especially the birds. According to a study on urban bird behaviour, bird species such as the Robin, living in noisy urban environments are more active during the night than during daytime, as it is comparatively quiet.
Furthermore, unhealthy sound levels in urban and peri-urban areas can have a detrimental effect on the animals as it increases the risk of mortality. This is happening because high noise levels interfere with the delicate balance in predator/prey detection and avoidance, and by interfering with their use of sounds in communication.
In an ideal urban scenario, a certain amount of noise is acceptable as it denotes liveliness of a thriving populace. But, all thanks to the machines engaged in various construction activities, the transportation systems, air traffic and train traffic, noise decibel levels have crossed the World Health Organisation recommended safe volume level of 85 decibel level. In fact, the WHO recommends hearing protection for noise levels that are above 85 decibel level in order to avoid permanent damage to the ears from the cumulative effects of exposure to noise pollution over time.
The National Green Tribunal has taken up the issue of noise pollution very seriously and has made commendable efforts to control this menace. But the efforts have not been cohesive and conforming to a larger strategy that lines up with the activities of the Union Government. For instance, the NGT last year, ordered monitoring of noise levels in various parts of the capital but nothing substantial has been done with the collected data. This was followed by orders issued on vehicular noise pollution but yet again, a concrete outcome of the ban did not materialise. These spurts of activity continued, with the NGT, recently banning loud music at weddings in western India.
The pattern of initiatives undertaken by the NGT to curb noise pollution seems disconnected and sporadic. This is accentuated by the fact that the NGT has not been able to enroll the enthusiastic support of the common man in the process of achieving its objectives. The Confederation of Indian Industry and the Indian Medical Association are playing a significant role to connect with the people to achieve the common cause of environmental conservation.
This institution-public partnership is paying-off quite well, and an apt example of the success story can be seen in Kerala. Kochi has always had higher decibel levels of sound and the beginning of the metro work has added to the din. Recently, the CII and the IMA in association with Young Indians started a State-wide cycle rally — ‘Silent Wheels’ — an anti-noise pollution drive with 13 cyclists to spread awareness on noise pollution. The initiative has already received immense support from auto drivers who have put stickers on their autos to create awareness about the issue and lent publicity to the cause.
The NGT requires to build a robust strategy to battle noise pollution by integrating the efforts of NGOs and enlisting public participation in its initiatives. This strategy can be further strengthened by adopting best practices followed around the world by advanced countries in controlling the threat of noise pollution.
For instance, the European Union has adopted a practical and effective common approach to avoid, prevent and reduce the harmful effects of environmental noise. With integrated noise management as the main objective, the EU got the member-states to submit noise maps for major roads, railheads and airports. This was followed by extensive public consultations and awareness generation post which local action plans were created to stem environmental noise. Needless to say, due to the public involvement from the early stages of the strategy, the initiative had local ownership and ensured its success.
With various bans being issued by the NGT, the tribunal runs the risk of being typecast as an institution that is able to ban, but unable to provide solutions to pressing environmental problems. This can be avoided by relying on cutting edge technological solutions being adopted in many countries. One such technology that can actively reduce noise pollution is based on the principle of eliminating waves of noise with other waves going in the opposite direction.
Incorporating such ground breaking technological know-how coupled with active public and NGO participation can help the Government and the NGT, achieve the objectives of calm urban environs. This can effectively stall the threat from the invisible pollution.