Poor air notwithstanding, Gurugram residents must battle noise pollution

Gurugram: More than air pollution, it is complaints about noise pollution that is keeping policemen in Gururgam on their toes.

Noise pollution has become a major cause of inconvenience for residents, with complaints of people playing loud music after 10.00 pm, raucous construction activities going into the night and vehicles honking incessantly being received regularly by the police.

Despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) serving a notice to the Haryana government over noise pollution levels in Gurugram, high decibel levels continue to be a major irritant in the city.

Medical experts say that long exposure to sound beyond 85 decibel can be harmful to health.

The adverse effects of long exposure to high sound levels can cause temporary hearing loss, migraines, sleep apnea, mental ailments, high blood pressure and heart diseases.

Honking by the numerous passenger and commercial vehicles is another major cause of rise in Gurugram's noise pollution.

Strict laws have been enforced by the Supreme Court to rein in noise pollution, and cops say that in most cases they take necessary action to stop noisy activities.

A senior Gurugram Police official said, "We charge offenders who create noise pollution under Section 188 (of IPC). There are numerous complaints received by the PCR about people playing loud music after 10 pm and troubling residents. Our officials take action on these individuals accordingly."

"Taking cognisance that police may not be present everywhere, we have also asked home guards and private security guards in colonies to coordinate with us in reporting complaints about noise pollution," added the official.

However, Gurugram residents are not impressed by the claims, complaining about the lack of action by authorities due to which noise levels don't seem to reduce.

A reply to an RTI query shows that in the last five years, only 600 vehicles have been fine for causing excessive sound pollution. To add to the citizens' woes, construction activities are continuing unabated.