It is good to note that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has embarked on a project to reduce noise pollution in Dhaka to a tolerable level. Although the problems of air and water pollution have received much publicity through media, there seems to be a lack of awareness in case of noise pollution. Notably, we have not been vocal enough about the adverse effect of noise pollution, which is no longer just a minor health hazard. Even we do not consider the piercing noise a pollutant and treat it as a part of routine life. Because of rapid urbanization and industrialization, noise pollution is increasing in the capital and adversely affecting the environment of this city while causing physical and psychological problems.
Noise pollution can be reduced through
enforcement of laws and increasing public awareness
In Dhaka, noise is produced from different sources like traffic, aircraft, hydrolic horns, construction and repair activities, industrial operation, loudspeaker, concerts, microphone. people gathering and so on. Experts are of the opinion that working in an atmosphere of loud noise for a long period can cause complete deafness to any person. Any sort of noise pollution seriously affects expecting mothers. It has been observed that pregnant mothers living near big airports give birth to more crippled, deformed and immature children than those living in other places. Also. noise pollution causes auditory fatigue, high blood pressure, headache, indigestion, ulcer, and affects sleep. Children are the worst victim of noise pollution since it stimulates their brain.
It is time to take urgent measures to control the level of noise pollution in the city. In this regard, authorities concerned should implement noise monitoring rules and regulations and prescribe noise limit for automobiles, domestic appliances and construction equipment. We believe, a proper management can reduce the noise level and rid the Dhaka dwellers of the harmful effects of sound pollution. Noise pollution can also be reduced through enforcement of laws and increasing public awareness.
