Noise pollution has become a serious problem in Bangladesh, which is having a direct negative impact on public health and urban life. According to the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), the safe level of noise in urban areas should be within 55 decibels. But in reality, the noise level in the busiest areas of Dhaka reaches about 90 to 120 decibels, which is very harmful to people's physical and mental health. Excessive noise pollution is destroying the balance of the environment, reducing work efficiency and increasing complex health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, mental stress and hearing loss. In addition, prolonged exposure to noise is also having a negative impact on people's sleep, which creates stress and restlessness, as well as can put additional pressure on the heart.
One of the main causes of noise pollution in Bangladesh is excessive pressure from vehicles, construction work, factory noise, use of loud microphones and crowded urban environments. The level of noise pollution is highest in commercial and industrial areas, especially in Dhaka, Chittagong and Narayanganj. Every day, people are annoyed by the loud noise of vehicles, the hustle and bustle of markets, the noise of construction work, the roar of factory machinery and the loud sound systems. Excessive noise is also used in wedding ceremonies, religious and political gatherings, which further increases the level of noise pollution. In addition, the sound of horns and signals of vehicles moving on the road is also causing problems for the physical and mental stability of people.
Bangladesh has laws to control noise pollution, but they are not properly implemented. The Bangladesh Environment Protection Act, 1995 and the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2006 have set maximum noise levels in different areas. Although different levels are set for quiet areas, residential areas, commercial areas and industrial areas, they are not followed. The law states that anyone who violates this rule can be fined from 50,000 to 1,00,000 taka. If an organization or business is responsible for serious noise pollution, a maximum fine of up to 10 million taka can be imposed.There is also a provision of two years imprisonment in case of serious crimes. But since these laws are not effectively implemented, the level of noise pollution is increasing day by day. Although the government has taken various steps, the problem is not being solved due to lack of awareness and weak implementation of the law.
Health problems due to noise pollution are becoming more acute day by day. A study has shown that about 11.7 percent of people in Bangladesh have lost their hearing due to noise pollution. A study by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) of Stanford University has shown that the noise level in 82 percent of areas of Dhaka is more than 60 decibels. A study in Narayanganj has shown that the risk of high blood pressure is much higher for workers who work in noise levels of 96 to 111 decibels for a long time. Noise pollution is not only causing harm to health, but also losing students' attention, reducing efficiency in the office and disrupting the normality of city life. Noise pollution is becoming a major obstacle for students while studying at school, especially during exams or preparation.
It is very important for the government to take steps to control noise pollution. Strict enforcement of laws, use of advanced equipment for monitoring noise levels, regular campaigns and collection of fines can reduce noise pollution to a large extent. It is necessary to use modern equipment that produces less noise in factories, add soundproof technology and increase the use of electric vehicles. Individuals can also play a role in reducing noise pollution by becoming aware. Refraining from unnecessary honking, reducing the use of loud microphones, using noise control devices at home and creating natural noise barriers by planting trees can be effective ways to reduce noise pollution.
The Department of Environment (DoE) receives complaints related to noise pollution and is responsible for taking legal action. Citizens can take initiatives to reduce noise pollution by reporting their complaints to their hotline number 16505 or to the local administration. However, the most important thing is to increase public awareness so that everyone can be aware of the effects of noise pollution and play an active role in solving this problem.
Noise pollution is a serious threat to the environment and public health of Bangladesh, which is increasing due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and indiscriminate use of vehicles. Although there are provisions to control noise pollution through the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006 and the Environment Protection Act 1995, in reality, the problem is not being solved due to weak implementation of the law. To get rid of the harmful effects of noise pollution, the government must emphasize on increasing public awareness along with strict enforcement of laws. Individuals and organizations must take effective measures to reduce noise pollution, such as using low-noise technology, controlling vehicle horns, and increasing greening. With the collective efforts of everyone, it is possible to ensure a noise-free, healthy, and livable urban life.
The writer is a LLB Student, Department of Law, World University of Bangladesh
