Tackling noise pollution at its roots

Tackling noise pollution at its roots
Vijay Times

THE minute the signal goes green at any of the junctions in the City , it is just not easy flow of traffic that is a major concern here, it is also about the noise pollution, which is becoming a serious health hazard.

Though the ever growing traffic accompanied with the deafening noise is said to be the pangs or challenges of living in a growing city , something needs to be done seriously in this direction, say officials.

Autos are the major contributors to noise pollution in the City , says Jayanagar RTO Syed Shafi Ahmed. "Most auto drivers run on altered silencers under the wrong notion that they provide better mileage. Moreover , adulterated fuel and old autos also contribute to more noise," he adds.

DCP T raffic M A Saleem says that police have booked cases against vehicles having defective silencers or shrill horns. "W e have asked the transport department to suspend the licence of vehicles not conforming to stipulated rules. The enforcement has to be done," he adds. Shafi Ahmed, however , claims that enforcement of law in this regard is a tough job.

In order to educate auto drivers on the harmful effects of noise and air pollution, Bangalore Environment T rust (BET), a NGO with the help of RTO has been organising camps, where auto drivers are taught about health hazards caused by toxic vehicle fumes.

Govardhan of BET says " W e pay Rs100 as stipend to encourage auto drivers to participate in the training camps and the response has been good. But it is economically not viable to have camps regularly unless some organisation comes forward to sponsor it." However , it is felt that with the gradual change to LPG mode by autos, the problem can be controlled to some extent.

Though it is believed that Bangalore is experiencing six times more noise pollution than permitted levels, there has been no scientific study so far .

MDN Simha, senior environmental officer , Pollution Control Board, says "Noise standards and guidelines need to be reviewed with change of scenario." Referring to the fact that RTO issues licences to about 800 vehicles everyday , Ramesh Ramanathan of Janagraha says "Unless we pay attention to reducing traffic on the road, building 100 flyovers will not put an end to Bangalore’s traffic woes."

lAutos, major contributors to noise pollution in the City

lAdulterated fuel and old autos add to the noise

lPolice have booked cases against vehicles with defective silencers or shrill horns

lNoise standards and guidelines need to be reviewed with change of scenario