The itch of the pitch in IT Bangalore

The itch of the pitch in IT Bangalore
Deccan Herald

Noise pollution in the IT capital of India, Bangalore, is inching towards alarming proportions. The noise levels at some of the major roads and public places in the City are well above the permissible limit, according to Mysore-based All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH). Same is the situation in Chennai.

With the rise in vehicular traffic, noise pollution has gone up considerably in the cities. In fact, the most alarming levels of noise were heard in hotels where the noise levels reached up to 88 dB.

According to AIISH doctors, any noise above 85 dB can lead to hearing damage and will put the person at risk of heart circulation disease at constant impact.

Costly mistake?

What then could be the plight of the people who visit hotels to relish masala dosas or idlis when they are subjected to this high level of noise. The plight of bearers and counter staff is even worse. They have to keep hearing this noise for hours, that too every working day!

Experts from AIISH identified major roads in Bangalore City - J C Road, K G Road and M G Road - and Kamaraj Salai, Anna Salai and Poonamalli High Road in Chennai for a survey on the noise levels. The survey was also done at public places like bus-stands, railway stations, airport lounges in the cities.

The survey has disclosed that the noise levels at all these roads are above 80 dB all the time.

Vendors and shop keepers on the roadside as well as the traffic police face serious problems and are at risk of consequences of noise exposure, including development of hearing loss.

According to AIISH clinician, the objective of the survey was to create awareness about noise pollution and hearing conservation.

Not an issue

Sadly, what is noticed in the country is that noise pollution, unlike air, water and soil pollution, is not taken seriously.

It appears that control of noise pollution continues to be a domain of western countries while the people here only seem to pay lip service to this cause.

“We seem to be aware of the problem, but are indifferent to it. A part of the reason for this is that it is mostly the people living in metropolis or big towns or those working in factories who seem to be the victims of noise pollution,” they argue.

Effects

AIISH experts reveal that noise affects human beings in a number of ways - by reducing hearing, ability to communicate and even behaviour.

Noise also affects other systems in the body such as cardio vascular system, digestive system, respiratory system and the reproductive system. It affects the hearing ability, particularly in children.

Noise pollution may also cause insomnia as well as impair sexual performance. It may trigger nausea, vomitting, pain, hypertension and cardiovascular problems.

NOISIEST ZONES in BANGALORE

Location Observed Permissible

(in dBA) (in dBA)

J C Road 80.3 65

(6 to 7 pm)

M G Road 85.4 65

(9.30 to 10.30 am)

Kempegowda Road 83.2 65

(12 noon to 1 pm)

K R Market 88.4 65

(4 to 5 pm)

Vinayak Nagar 77.4 55

(near Airport)

(6.50 to 7.50 am)

Airport Lounge 74.6 65

(12 noon to 1 pm)

Main bus-stand 81.66 65

(4 to 5 pm)

Rly ticket counter 77.8 65

(4 pm to 5 pm)