Time to bring down the din: CPCB
The CPCB also reiterated that noise pollution sources such as public address systems, marriage functions and diesel generator sets should be monitored and regulated (File Photo)
DNA CORRESPONDENT | Mon, 20 Feb 2017-07:50am , New Delhi , DNA
Pollution watchdog directs nine metros, including Delhi and Mumbai, to act against vehicular noise and set up control rooms 
Soon, traffic police across nine cities will begin to fine motorists using pressure horns and confiscate these devices. Following assessment of the worrying levels of noise pollution across the cities, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued this direction among a host of others to bring down the din.
CPCB, the country’s pollution watchdog, has issued these directions under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, to pollution control boards and traffic police force in Delhi, Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Lucknow.
There are 70 real-time monitoring stations across these nine cities and based on consolidated data from them, CPCB found that in all cities noise levels are breached over 90 per cent of the times.
In the assessment report, Chennai was found to be the noisiest city followed by Hyderabad and Mumbai, based on the high rate of noise limit violations across locations.
The CPCB has said that no vehicles should be allowed to use power, pressure and musical horns. Violators have to be fined and the horns have to be confiscated by enforcement authorities.
Further, the watchdog has also directed that control rooms should be established to resolve noise related public grievances. The assessment revealed that residential areas are as noisy and at some locations more than the industrial areas. Thus, small industrial activity breaching noise levels in residential areas will face action.
CPCB officials said the new directions have been issued looking at the unsatisfactory implementation of noise standards and the large contribution of vehicles in noise pollution. “The directions have to be implemented by state boards and the traffic police,” said a senior CPCB official.
The CPCB also reiterated that noise pollution sources such as public address systems, marriage functions and diesel generator sets should be monitored. There should be no noise after the 10pm deadline, as is imposed by the SC.
Anti-noise activists welcomed the plan to fine pollution emanating from horns but added that with more data available, urban planning should happen with noise levels in mind. “Authorities need to chalk out a larger plan to curb noise from all festivals, construction activity,” said Sumaira Abdulali, convenor, Awaaz Foundation, an anti-noise advocacy group.

TAGS

• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
• Awaaz Foundation
• vehicular noise
• Traffic Police
• Horns
• Environment Protection Act (EPA)
• Sumaira Abdulali

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MMRDA wants metro work to go on after 10pmManthank Mehta| TNN | Updated: Feb 13, 2017, 11.55 PM IST
Currently, civil work for the metro corridor is only permitted between 5am and 10pm, allowing for seven hours ... Read More
MUMBAI: Citing "already high" decibel levels on arterial roads, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has sought that noise pollution rules be relaxed to extend metro work hours for faster completion of the project.

Currently, civil work for the metro corridor is only permitted between 5am and 10pm, allowing for seven hours of respite.

Praveen Darade, additional metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA, said, "We are going to seek changes in noise pollution rules. The relaxation will not make much of a difference in the noise level as the decibel levels are already quite high in areas alongside arterial roads because of heavy traffic."

Darade added that though work can begin at 5am, labourers are unwilling to start that early. As of now, contractors try to carry out work late at night but are prevented by patrolling police. "If the work is completed quickly, traffic mess will wind up earlier than expected," he said.

Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz Foundation said, "This position is contrary to what the state has told the high court. It has, in fact, assured the court of coming up with guidelines for construction work to reduce hardship caused by high noise levels. We have measured the decibel levels at construction sites, where they exceed 85dB. Even when is construction is not on, the noise level can be breached because of loading and unloading work itself."

Meanwhile, some residents are not averse to relaxation in noise rules.

Goregaon resident Ajay Naik said, "The faster the work gets completed, the better it will be for us as air pollution level are dangerously high because of traffic snarls as the road width has been narrowed considerably for metro work."

Modified silencers, horns under lens
Pic for representational purpose
 DEVASHRI BHUJBAL | Sun, 29 Jan 2017-07:25amThe state environment department has taken serious note of noise pollution by modified silencers and horns of two wheelers. 
The department has addressed a letter to the Mumbai Police Commissioner and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to take action against garage mechanics and bikers who alter bike silencers and shrill horns in Mumbai. 
The department has also asked authorities submit a report of necessary actions taken on the issue. Modification is common among motorists, especially youth who modify silencers and horns of their two-wheelers making them either multiple sound-emitting or musical. For the riders, modified sound is a source attraction but for the residents it’s a nuisance. 
According to Environment Protection Rules, the permittable noise levels of two-and three-wheelers is 80 dB and 82 dB for four-wheelers. Although people alter sounds for all types of vehicles, modification of silencers and horns of two-wheelers, especially high-end bikes is common in the city. 
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Milind Bharambe, said, “I have not yet received a letter from the state environment department calling for action against garages modifying horns and silencers. But when we find motorists exceeding permissible noise levels for horns and silencers, we fine them. We also conduct drives to reduce noise pollution. However, no action is taken against mechanics or specific garages who help bikers alter horns and silencers. However, we will step up our drive to to control noise level.”
Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz Foundation said, “Bikers modify their horns to go up to 100 dB, a fad which is gaining popularity. To run vehicles with sound levels above 82 dB is illegal. Police however just fine them. Even though it is against the law, police do not have any specific fine amount to be paid. The motorists pay the fine and continue using the horns,” she said.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-mumbai-traffic-cops-to-lead-anti-noise-campaign-2290893

​Mumbai traffic cops to lead anti-noise campaign
 VIRAT A SINGH | Tue, 10 Jan 2017-07:40am , DNA
Noise pollution activists in India's nosiest city, and its Traffic Police Department have come up with a plan of action to help Mumbai shed its infamous tag. The campaign, devised by city's Awaaz Foundation, called 'Times For Action' calls for the traffic police to begin a phase-wise action against indiscriminate honking culture and especially the use of air pressure horns.
Convenor of Awaaz Foundation Sumaira Abdulali, who has been working at the forefront, pushing for implementation of anti-noise pollution norms said, "The last year (2016) saw a lot of awareness on adverse impact of noise.
It's now time for sustained action against offenders. "We'll be working with traffic cops and are planning a major campaign called 'Time For Action' under which phase-wise action by the traffic department has been proposed."
Abdulali hopes that the Mumbai traffic police will take up noise pollution enforcement the way they took up the anti-drunk driving campaign.
"Noise pollution is a serious issue and we are planning to launch the campaign this week. We will also conduct drives and take action against those using shrill horns as well as honking without any reason," said Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic Milind Bharambe.
"We have urged traffic cops to take sustained action against vehicles fitted with shrill horns. To ensure results, cops positioned at the traffic signal or during drives could also stop the vehicle and conduct mandatory checks on horns, and fine violators," she said.
Awaaz Foundation has also tied up with Indian Medical Association (IMA) and is urging citizens across India to take up the matter of noise pollution. "It's not just people from Mumbai who are suffering, Delhi was ranked the fourth nosiest city, and it's time every city raises the matter with the enforcing authorities," said Abdulali.
Dr MV Jagade, ENT surgeon at the JJ hospital, who has also been working on creating awareness on the health implications of noise pollution, said that studies have shown that if a person if exposed to a noise of above 80 decibels for eight hours a day for eight years, the person can suffer permanent deafness. "Noise pollution can be blamed for everything from irritability to increasing blood pressure. We are already seeing a rise in number of people coming to us with hearing related-issues The issue needs serious consideration. Since the traffic police are the enforcing authorities, they should begin action on ground. The first on their priority should be the pressure horns that are extremely dangerous, as short duration of exposure to high decibel is far more dangerous," he said.
"Having decibel metres at various traffic junctions could provide noise level reading, which can be displayed. Once people know what they are being exposed to, it can help create an impact," said Abdulali.


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Mumbai police violate noise rules at Mahim Fair The procession went through an area that is designated as a ‘silence zone’ because of the religious shrine and a school in the vicinity
​MUMBAI Updated: Dec 14, 2016 00:58 IST
Badri Chatterjee 
Hindustan Times
The police procession on Day 1 of the Mahim Fair on Tuesday recorded noise levels of 117.3dB, as recorded by NGO Awaaz Foundation. (HT photo)
Noise levels at the first procession of the 10-day Mahim Fair, which began on Tuesday, touched 117.3 decibel (dB) — equivalent to the noise from a rock drilling machine. Ironically, the procession was that of the Mumbai police, which is authorised to book noise rules violators. 
What’s worse: the procession went through an area that is designated as a ‘silence zone’ because of the religious shrine and a school in the vicinity. A Bombay high court order has not only banned use of loudspeakers in ‘silence zones’, but even the use of drums, horns, trumpets and playing of any music using sound amplifiers.
Police personnel, who traditionally lead the first procession, walk from the Mahim police station to the dargah, carrying offerings of sandalwood paste, perfume or attar, flowers, silver utensils and a silk chaddar to honour the Sufi saint Makhdoom Ali Mahimi on his birthday. 
The loudspeakers and brass music instruments used in the procession recorded sound levels between 98dB and 117.3dB between 2.15pm and 3pm, as recorded by anti-noise campaigner Awaaz Foundation. 
“It is the function of the police to take action and they are the law breakers this time,” said Sumaira Abdulali, convenor, Awaaz Foundation, which filed a complaint with the Mumbai police commissioner. “In spite of being reminded of the HC order and being the enforcement authority, the Mahim police said that it was a traditional event, therefore noise would be allowed to continue until such time as the police took their own readings on their own decibel meters.” 
Awaaz Foundation, however, said there was a marginal dip in noise levels compared to previous years. Last year, the Mahim Fair registered 119.9dB during the police procession, which was higher than the 118dB recorded in 2014. Norms under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, state that noise levels in residential and silence zones should be between 50dB and 55dB during the day and 40dB and 45dB during the night, respectively.
Officials from the Mumbai police told HT that if norms are violated, action will be taken. “Every sandal (procession) organiser was called for a meeting and information regarding the relevant legal provisions was given,” said Pramajit Singh Dahiya, deputy commissioner of police, zone 5. “The Mahim Fair will go on till December 22. We have deployed our decibel metres, too. Irrespective of whose procession it is, if any infractions are found, legal action will be taken.”
Mahim residents said the police violated norms even after several letters were written to the state government, senior police officials and the civic body. “It is a matter of serious concern that even after repeated reminders to curtail noise levels through letters dispatched weeks ago, the police’s own procession violated noise norms,” said Farooque Dhala, resident of Mahim. “Not only was it a nuisance for residents, but even for birds and animals in the area.” 
Noise standards as laid down in Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
Category of area Day time limit (in dB) (6.30am to 8.30pm) Night time limit (in dB) (8.30pm – 6.30am)
Residential area 55 45
Silence zone 50 40
HOW MUCH NOISE IS TOO MUCH?
•Healthy hearing threshold - 0dB
•Pin dropping - 10dB
•Rustling leaves - 20dB
•Sound of river water - 40dB
•Light traffic, refrigerator - 50dB
•Conversational speech, air conditioner - 60dB
•Vacuum cleaner - 75dB
•Alarm clock - 80dB
•Discotheque/pneumatic hammer - 100dB
•Live Rock Band - 115dB
•Rock drilling machine – 117 dB
•Steel mill - 120dB
•Thunderclap, chain saw - 130dB
•Jet take-off (at 25 metres) - 150dB


Copyright © HT Media Limited All rights reserved.

Mahim cops violate noise pollution rules
Tuesday noise level recorded on a machine
 VIRAT A SINGH | Wed, 14 Dec 2016-08:25am , DNANoise levels on Tuesday, the first day of a Sufi festival which traditionally begins from the Mahim police station were recorded at 117.3dB 
Even as environmentalists and citizens press for implementation of the Noise Pollution Rules in the city,the Mumbai police that is expected to enforce these rules seem to have no qualms violating them.
Ignoring several complaints being filed since past few years to maintain the noise levels during the inaugural day of the annual 10-day festival honouring Sufi saint Makhdoom Ali Mahimi, which has traditionally begun from the Mahim police station- the maximum noise levels recorded on Tuesday by anti-noise pollution activists was found to be 117.3dB.
Sumaira Abdulali Convenor of Awaaz Foundation who has even sent a report to written to Mumbai Police Commissioner Datta Padsalgikar said that between 2.15 pm to 3 pm the noise pollution from loudspeakers and brass instruments within the premises of the Mahim Police Station was recorded between 98dB – 117.3dB
“Seeing the violation I made several oral complaints and finally even made a written complaint at about 2.52 pm and apart from that i also drew the attention of the cops at the Police Station to the High Court Order and showed them the readings on my decibel meter,” she said.
Abdulali also claimed that no action was taken while three separate groups of drums, loudspeakers and brass instruments continued to make noise within police station premises in a Silence Zone (as the police station is next to a Balwadi and masjid).
Abdulali said that what shocked her was the fact that the when she raised the issue with the police, some of them told her that this was a traditional event and that that the balwadi next door was also closed.
Locals in the vicinity of Mahim dargah claim that the noise pollution during the festival causes immense suffering to them and that they get no respite despite complaining to almost everyone from the dargah trustees to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
“It has been an age-old custom and tradition that the festival’s inaugural procession begins at Mahim police station with Senior Police Inspector of Mahim Police Station and other policemen carrying an offering of sandalwood paste, perfume or attar, flowers, silver utensils and a silk chaddar to the saint’s dargah,” said a local resident who did not wished to be named.
He said that several groups of residents from the neighbourhood had even formed a group and even met top police officers last year to ask respite from the high noise levels but everyone seems to have ignored their woes.
“Every year the noise levels have been growing. Our children cant study, people cant rest as the noise of processions are very loud and even making complaints on the Mumbai police control room is of no help,” said another resident.
“We are taking the readings of the noise pollution and will be taking necessary action against organisers soon,” said Milind Idekar, Senior Police Inspector at Mahim Police Station.

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Noise levels on the first day of the Mahim Fair lower as compared to the past two yearsNoise levels on the first day of the Mahim Fair lower as compared to the past two yearsVinamrata Borwankar| TNN | Dec 13, 2016, 09.33 PM IST
Representative image. 
MUMBAI: Noise levels on the first day of the Mahim Fair, which commended on Tuesday were lowered as compared to the past two years but remained much above permissible limits. According to noise levels recorded by NGO Awaaz Foundation, the noise levels were between 98 and 117.3 decibels (dB).

On the inaugural day of the fair, the Mahim police lead the 'sandal' procession of the Urs of Makhdoom Shah Babaat Mahim dargah. "There was noise pollution from loudspeakers and brass instruments within the premises of the Mahim police station. I made several oral complaints and finally made a written complaint. No action was taken while three separate groups of drums, loudspeakers and brass instruments continued to make noise within police station premises in a silence zone (next to a Balwadi and masjid)," said Sumaira Abdulali, convenor of the foundation. She has sent a complaint to the commissioner of police.

According to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, residential and silence zones should have a maximum noise level of 55dB and 50dB in the day and 45dB and 40dB at the night, respectively. Police officials said that action would be taken against if noise rules are flouted. "We have installed our own decibel meters and also held meetings with organisers to create awareness about the same. In case our meters find a problem, we will take legal action," said Paramjit Singh Dahiya, DCP, Zone V.

Sohail Khandwani, managing trustee of Mahim Dargah said that efforts were being made to reduce noise levels. "There are about 400 sandals during the 10 days and we have held 2-3 meetings with the people to make them aware about playing loud music is against Islam and the law and we have been greatly successful. We hope that in the next few years, we should be able to totally eradicate the problem."

Copyright © 2016 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights:Times Syndication Service

Sleepless on link road, construction din to blameTarini Puri| TNN | Nov 29, 2016, 08.55 AM IST
Representative image.
PUNE: On most days, Priti Shahane's daughters, aged four and nine years, find it difficult to sleep beyond 6am, although they are not expected to be up for school before 7.30am. The reasonhigh decibel noise from the construction site of an upcoming residential-cum-commercial project across their residence at Kumar Shantiniketan on Sus Pashan road.

Complaining to the police and on the Pune Municipal Corporation's mobile app has had little impact, Priti reveals.

With contractors rushing to meet deadlines, affected citizens say work at most project sites begins early in the morning and continues late into the night. The noise of metal clanging against metal, or excavators running against hard rock, the banging for carpentry jobs or the constant whirring of mixers preparing concrete for construction have made their lives a living nightmare.

The result is not just broken sleep cycles, but also other health concerns like headaches, irritability and a host of side-effects that many are not even able to directly blame on the persisting noise pollution around them. Arguably, the worst affected are those staying at home for most of the day including children, the elderly and the sick.

Describing the tough time she has been facing, Ambika Sharma, another resident of Kumar Shantiniketan said, "I have one-year old twins and both of them are light sleepers. They usually wake up startled with all the massive bangs that can be heard throughout the day."

Work starts very early in the morning and the noise and dust is intolerable, concurs a resident of Vanshaj Prestigeanother residential complex directly impacted by the construction.

Vikramsingh Rajput, project manager at one such construction site in the area, admits they are under pressure of promised delivery schedules. "We have to keep up with the deadlines. The labourers don't mind working extra hours as it means they can send a little extra money to their families. We have received complaints from residents nearby and have accommodated as much as possible. But we too want to maximize our output," he said.

Responding to TOI's queries on the action taken to reduce the impact, Darshan Kalekar, senior engineer of Amar Builders (the company constructing the property opposite Shantiniketan) said, "We have issued a stern warning to the contractor to not start work early. All workers have been asked to assemble not before 7.30am, so that work can begin at 8am."

Not too far, some residents of Felicita Cooperative Housing Society even considered installing noise-blocking glass, revealed its secretary Manish Mishra. Several wings of the residential complex share a boundary wall with an under-construction office building. Describing the pain they endure, Mishra said, "It's like someone hammering against your head the whole day. The fact that Pune is over hard rock, probably makes it worse." Chairman of the society Raman Ramchandran said, "Residents complain of difficulty in sleeping and studying because of the constant sound of digging next door. The first two-three months were the worst."

Analysis of average noise levels at construction sites, undertaken recently by the Mumbai-based Awaaz Foundation, revealed most are flouting the rules for permissible noise levels. According to Sumaira Abdulali, the prolonged daily exposure makes it worse for those directly impacted. "Any noise beyond 85dB is harmful for health. It is up to the local civic bodies to formulate regulations for construction sites," she said.

The police in the area appears toothless on the matter and passes the responsibility to the Pune Municipal Corporation. Dayanand Dhome, in-charge of Chatushrungi police station said, "Complaints received on the 100 number are immediately attended to by us. However, I am not aware of the rules regarding construction noise."

Box

What the pollution boards say:

* Central Pollution Control Board: Noise limits are prescribed for construction equipment at the manufacturing stage itself. Besides, regulatory agencies have been directed to enforce the standards to control and regulate noise pollution

* Maharashtra Pollution Control Board: All builders are required to obtain consent of the board before starting construction. The board has laid down permissible noise levels and work timings for such work. In case of grievances, citizens can complain online to the MPCB, or submit an application at the board's office. Verification of the same is undertaken, and action taken thereof.

Box

How the Noise Affects You

* Mental disturbances including irritation, misunderstandings, decreased working capacity, poor concentration, etc

* General fatigue

* Hypertension and stress

* Social and behavioural changes: annoyance and aggression

* Sleep disturbances

* Cardiovascular changes

* Reduced performance, cognitive function, attention span and memorization abilities

* Gradual hearing loss

Source: WHO Guidelines for Community Noise

Box

Much Beyond the Permissible

Work/ Machinery-------------------------------Normal Noise Levels (In dB)

Concrete breakers--------------------------------120

Pneumatic drillers (for excavation)------------100

Cement mixers------------------------------------85
Latest CommentMany people still don't fully understand the effect that the constant noise around them is having on their mind and bodyTarini Gulati Puri

Marble/stone cutters-----------------------------85

Source: Awaaz Foundation