Not just air, Gurugram losing its battle against noise pollution too

Gurugram: Even as the normal standards for sound has been set at 60-70 decibels for Indian cities, in Gurugram, the average sound levels in the roads are as high as 90-100 decibels.

Despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) notice to the Haryana government over the sound pollution in Gurugram, high sound levels continue to be a major source of irritation in the city.

Medical experts have regularly maintained that long exposure to sound levels beyond 85 decibels can be harmful to a person's health.

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

A major cause for the rise in noise pollution in the city is believed to be the increase in passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as endless honking by drivers of these vehicles.

In addition to the overuse of vehicular horns, other causes attributed to high noise pollution in the city are the use of loudspeakers in functions and public events, and large-scale construction activities in various parts of the city.

While several rules and regulations are in place to curb sound pollution in the Gurugram, residents regularly complain of lack of effective action by authorities.

The lack of seriousness of the authorities can be gauged from the fact that in five years, only 600 vehicles have been fined for causing excessive sound pollution.

"There is no denying the fact that honking continues to be a major source of noise pollution in the city. While most of the commuters claim that honking is done out of compulsion, some commuters also do it for their selfish purposes," said a senior official of Gurugrm Traffic Police.

"In many cases, we are levying fines on commuters who indulge in mindless honking. We are also taking steps to prevent the use of horns in areas around schools and hospitals," the official added.

"A major reason why sound pollution is growing unchecked is that people really do not understand how it is affecting us daily. Today, on all the busy streets of Gurugram, you will find that honking goes on endlessly. In most cases, honking is unnecessary.

"Though action has been taken by the police in cases of excessive usage of loudspeakers in some areas, even after the Supreme Court order to stop the usage of loudspeakers, most places continue to flout the rules and are not penalised for it," said Garima Gupta, another resident.