Noise Pollution
Imagine you are trying to study, and suddenly someone starts drilling upstairs. You feel annoyed, irritated, even mentally disturbed. This unpleasant and unwanted sound is what we call Noise.
What is Noise?
Noise is simply a sound that the human ear does not want to hear.
It may cause:
→ Annoyance
→ Irritation
→ Stress
→ Even physical pain
To measure noise, we use decibels (dB). The higher the dB, the louder the sound.
The World Health Organization (WHO) gives us ideal noise limits:
➡️45 dB during daytime
➡️35 dB at night
These levels ensure a peaceful, healthy environment.
Human Tolerance Levels
The human ear is not a machine—it has limits.
- Up to 85 dB → Tolerable
- Above 80 dB → Loud and hazardous
- 100–125 dB → Uncomfortable, can harm hearing
Examples:
- Normal conversation: ~60 dB
- Traffic on a busy road: ~85–90 dB
- Rock concert / Firecracker: above 120 dB
Permissible Noise Levels in India
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) sets noise limits depending on the type of area.
Permissible Noise Limits
| Zone | Daytime (dB) | Night (dB) |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Zone | 75 | 70 |
| Commercial Zone | 65 | 55 |
| Residential Zone | 55 | 45 |
| Silent Zone | 50 | 40 |
Silent Zones are areas around:
→ Schools
→ Colleges
→ Hospitals
→ Courts
A 100-meter radius around these institutions is legally protected from high noise.
Laws to Control Noise Pollution
Earlier Scenario
Noise pollution was treated as part of air pollution under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Current Legal Framework
Today, noise is governed by:
Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000
These rules are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
They cover:
- Permissible noise levels
- Timings for loudspeakers
- Regulation of industrial and construction noise
Standards for Specific Equipment
Under the Environment (Protection) Act, specific noise limits are prescribed for:
→ Motor vehicles
→ Air conditioners
→ Refrigerators
→ Diesel generators
→ Construction equipment (e.g., concrete mixers, bulldozers)
These standards ensure that commonly used machines don’t exceed safe sound levels.
Role of SPCBs
Noise from industries is monitored and controlled by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) under the same Air Act of 1981.
Final Understanding
Noise pollution is not just a disturbance—it affects mental health, productivity, sleep, and overall well-being. India has a clear regulatory system, ranging from WHO guidelines to CPCB norms and legal rules, ensuring sound levels remain within safe limits.