Question : Noise Pollution

(a) whether noise pollution has increased in various cities of the country, if so, the details of cities which have recorded maximum level of noise pollution in the country, State/UT-wise including National Capital Region Delhi;
(b) the average level of noise pollution in major cities of the country during the last three years, State/UT-wise including Rajasthan;
(c) the details of noise pollution norms prescribed by the World Health Organisation and action taken by the Government to implement the said norms;
(d) whether the Government has initiated any programme for increasing awareness about health ailments associated with high noise pollution in the country especially targeting the local population and if so, the details thereof along with the funds allocated and utilised for dealing with the matters of noise pollution during the last three years and the current year; and
(e) whether the Government proposes to amend the law determining various norms to check noise pollution spreading through various means and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) & (b) Ambient noise levels are monitored on real time basis by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in association with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) / Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) in seven metro cities, namely Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai under National Ambient Noise Monitoring Programme (NANMP). The average level of noise pollution in respect of seven metro cities of the country including National Capital Territory of Delhi during last three years is annexed. The analysis of data indicates fluctuating trend in the noise levels. During day time, Lucknow recorded the maximum sound level followed by Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Similarly, during night time maximum sound level observed at Chennai followed by Lucknow, Kolkata and Mumbai.

(c) & (d) World Health Organisation has drawn up community noise guidelines suggesting noise levels, duration and corresponding health effect ranging from annoyance to hearing impairment. The Government has notified the Noise (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2000 which specifies in its schedule the ambient air quality standards in respect of noise for four categories of area / zone namely i) Industrial area, ii) Commercial area, iii) Residential area and Silence Zone. The prescribed day time levels (6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.) are typically ten decibels higher than the corresponding levels for night time except in industrial area, where the difference is five decibels. The steps taken to control noise pollution and increasing awareness about health ailments associated with high level of noise pollution inter alia include advisories for noise monitoring on the occasion of Diwali; prohibition of the use of fireworks between 10.00 p.m. and 06.00 a.m.; publicity regarding the ill effects of fire-crackers, sensitisation of students through course curriculum besides general awareness building of public at large to avoid bursting of fire-crackers; and issuance of directions under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and under section 18 (1) (b) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The Funds utilized for maintaining the National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network comprising 70 Noise Monitoring Stations is about ? 43 lakhs / annum.

(e) There is no such proposal currently under consideration of the government.

***