Paragraphs on Noise Pollution!
The measurements of noise levels in residential, industrial and commercial areas in the capital city of India, Delhi, were carried out in the month of March and April, 1992. Six sites in residential areas, four in industrial areas and nine in commercial areas were chosen, which were situated in different parts of Delhi.
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The results of statistical analysis of sound pressure levels show that commercial areas have the highest noise levels followed by industrial and residential areas. Spectral distribution of noise of octave band frequencies have also been presented for the above mentioned areas.
Paper reports noise level status of Bhopal city during 1994. Noise level in the sensitive areas of Bhopal was in the range of 32 dB (A) to 78 dB (A) during day time, while during night time it was in the range of 30 dB (A) to 60 dB (A). In these areas about 43.3% values were found exceeding the prescribed limit of 50 dB (A) during day time while about 38.3% values were found exceeding the limit of dB (A) during night time.
In order to examine the presence of potential noise hazard to health and safety in the working areas of two drilling sites (SNDS & BLGK) of crude petroleum, in the open field, the noise levels were evaluated and the characteristics analysed.
The results showed that the sound pressure levels (SPLs) ranged 96-102 dBA at SNDS drilling site and 90-99 dBA at BLGK drilling site, all the values exceeding the standard noise exposure limits of 90 dBA. The noise rating curve (NR = 85), a widely used damage-risk criterion, indicated that in almost all the locations the SPLs were within the dangerous noise region at high frequencies.
To assess the efficacy of different types of screens a controlled noise mitigation experiment was conducted in an open site at Jawaharlal Nehru University. These studies suggested two screens, namely plywood and aluminium are most effective.
Sound attenuation was found to be more in case of plywood screen compared to aluminium. To assess the efficacy of bushes and hedges, experiments were also conducted at two localities. SPL attenuation was found to be higher in case of hedges compared to other vegetation.
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Prabhakara Murty PVS, Sudharshan Reddy B. (Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Occupl Hlth Services Res Cent., Visakhapatnam 530031). Occupational noise exposure index in wood working shop-a case study.
Noise levels of different machines in a wood working shop was measured during the period from April to June 1996. Sources producing noise levels above 90 dB were identified and a typical frequency spectrum produced by machine when it was switched on and while the machine was in operation was recorded.
Noise exposure index (NEI) and daily noise (D) were calculated and found that, they were within the prescribed limits.
Yogamoorthi A., Beena (Cent. Futures Std., Pondicherry Univ., Pondicherry 605014). Studies on noise pollution level in the Pondicherry town, South India. Polln. Res., 15(2) (1996), 155-158 [6 Ref.].
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The Pondicherry town is experiencing a rapid urban expansion, the noise level in the town area is becoming a common environmental problem. To measure and mitigate such four different zones : commercial zone, institutional zone, silent zone and traffic signal points in which 42 spots were fixed for noise level measurement.
The results are discussed in detail and measures to curb such an up-surging common environmental problem, has also been given.
The existing noise pollution status of Nagpur urban environment with emphasis on objective measurement and subjective reaction of the people is reported. Road traffic noise has been a major contributor to the annoyance which is substantiated by the results of continuous monitoring of noise equivalent levels (Leq).
The transportation network and vehicular noise at various intersections of the city have also been studied. Public participation, education, traffic management, proper land use, proper designing of building and green belt play a major role in noise abatement.
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Each one of us has the potential to destroy environment even though it may be at micro-level but, at some stage, this micro-level becomes macro-level. So for sustainable development, it is extremely essential that the younger generation is educated environmentally about noise pollution and its effects.
Healthy environment does not mean green surroundings only. It is where we try to enrich our minds, are propelled to think and act in the right way to help shape a better tomorrow. A lot of youth population today are wasting their energies in non-creative and non-productive activities. This year the number of young people in the World is surpassing one billion ! Can you hear the noise of one billion?
Educational Institutes can act as catalysts in the development of public awareness by encouraging existing nature lovers or nature conservation societies to enlarge other interests. Colleges and Universities have taken to introduce Environmental Science as an interdisciplinary area of study.
The lecturers and students need to organise consultations, briefings, seminars, workshops and meetings including village gatherings. Such things can be organised amongst enthusiastic students by simple interactions and then spreading awareness messages.
They can produce information on their experiences in working on environmental projects mainly on noise pollution and other relevant topics. The students, as today’s youth, can themselves form a task force to study and report upon the status of environmental problems of a certain area. The Universities can establish contacts with learned and practicing consultants who can offer guidance in such cases.
This can further lead to making information on environmental problems, noise and their practical solutions widely available for public reference. Agricultural college students can even run training courses in nursery management as a part of income generating schemes for youth organizations.
University research programmes should increasingly come close to the local environmental problems including noise. Considerable innovation is needed in devising location specific programmes on environmental education at minimal cost. Environmental law should be taught in all law colleges and facilities for specialisation in environmental law should be provided.
College libraries should have magazines like ‘World-watch’ and ‘Our Planet’, ‘Noise and earth’ (by UNEP) for up-to-date information on Global Environment and the Status of Planet Earth.
Though educational institutions are making significant progress and contribution in imparting education in the principles and techniques of physical planning and career-orientation, yet it is now generally accepted that a new kind of awareness towards the environment is extremely necessary.
Education on nature will have to be a very important item on the agenda of environmental education. This will help restore the composure, of human beings and their relationship with their surroundings If people are educated in this way, they are less likely to take part in spoiling nature in their day-to-day life and while on holidays, etc. by creating more noise in one way or the other.
Members of educational institutions can enlarge the scope of their activities by starting new environmental groups which will take a more long-term and holistic view of environmental problems and promote public awareness of the issues on noise pollution, human settlements and preservation of beauty spots or nature ecosystems.
Participation of the educated and trained specialists in public courses on environment strengthens their self-confidence, enables them to supply information on environmental problems, moulds public opinion and interests citizen groups in specific environmental problems like metallic noise, noise created by cars trucks scooters etc.