Question : Measures to Curb Noise Pollution

(a) whether the Government has taken note of therise in noise pollution in various cities across thecountry, if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;
(b) the average levels of noise pollution recorded inmajor cities during the last three years, State/UT-wise;
(c) the details of noise pollution norms prescribedby the World Health Organisation and susequent action taken by the Government to implement the said norms;
(d) whether the Government proposes to amend thelaw pertaining to various norms to regulate noisepollution, if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether Central Pollution Control Board has setup National ambient noise monitoring network to monitornoise pollution levels across the country, if so, thedetails thereof; and
(f) whether the Government has initiated/formulated any programmes /schemes for creating awareness abouthealth ailments associated with high noise pollution andif so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a)& (b) The average levels of noise pollution recorded in seven metro cities of the country State/UT-wiseduring last three years is annexed. The analysis of data indicates fluctuating trend in the noise levels. During day time, 14 out of 16 stations in residential zone, 24 out of 25 in commercial zone, 3 out of 12 in industrial zone and 16 out of 17 in silence zone are non-complying with ambient noise standards. Similarly, during night time 16 out of 16 stations in residential zone, 25 out of 25 in commercial zone, 4 out of 12 in industrial zone and 17 out of 17 in silence zone are non-complying with ambient noise standards.

(c) & (d) World Health Organization has drawn up community noise guidelines suggesting noise levels, duration and corresponding health effect ranging from annoyance to hearing impairment. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate has notified Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 for regulation and control of noise pollution and its impact on health. These Rules relate to restrictions relating to use of loudspeakers, public address systems and other sound producing systems. In addition, it also prescribes standards for various land use areas such as industrial, commercial, residential and silence zone. Amendments are considered from time to time. However, norms to check noise pollution mainly relate to prescribed standards with respect to these land use categories which are 75, 65, 55 and 59 dB(A) during day time and 70, 50, 45 and 40 dB(A) during night time for industrial area, commercial area, residential area and silent zone respectively.Noise emanating from industry is regulated by State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees (SPCBs/PCCs) for States / UTs under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

(e) & (f) Central Pollution Control Board in association with SPCBs/PCCs has established National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network of Real Time Basis in 07 metropolitan cities and installed 70 Nos. of Noise Monitoring System in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Lucknow and Hyderabad (10 Nos. of stations in each city) under Phase-I and Phase-II of the programme. The Government has taken steps to control noise pollution and increasing awareness about health ailments associated with high level of noise pollution inter aliainclude advisories for noise monitoring on the occasion of Diwali; publicity regarding the ill effects of firecrackers, launching of eco-friendly green firecrackers as per the directives of Hon’ble Supreme Courtand 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.
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