Sound Pollution

Noise Pollution or Sound Pollution is said to occur when people or animals are exposed to levels of sound that are annoying, stressful, or damaging to the ears. Road traffic, air-craft noise, construction sounds, noise from industries are the chief sources of sound pollution.

H.H. Pande Maharaj has mentioned that television sets, radios running on a high volume, loudspeakers set up for festivals, very harsh horns, etc, so also loud voice gossips taking place in public places result in noise pollution.

The following are some adverse effects of sound pollution observed in day-to-day life:

1. Symptoms of impaired hearing such as being not able to hear the telephone ring from the neighbouring room, the doorbell, other persons voice when many people are conversing at the same time. Such things are not new in metropolitan cities. Loudspeakers as well as firecrackers burst at marriage receptions, processions and various other places can harm our hearing abilities.

2. Many of the traffic police are suffering from hearing problem to some extent. The main reason for this is in sound pollution. Thus, sound pollution causes temporary deafness.

3. Lack of concentration – For better quality of work there should be concentration. Noise causes lack of concentration. In big cities, mostly all the offices are on main roads. The noise of traffic or the different types of horns divert the attention of the people working in offices and students studying at schools.

Strict action by government and awareness by the citizens necessary to curb sound pollution.

Other person's right to live in peace is very much included in one's right to converse. One cannot use loudspeaker against other’s wish, to convey one's thoughts. Right to sleep is a fundamental right of a citizen. All these facts have been agreed upon in the court of law. The government should take concrete action against sound polluters. So also, people should be aware about the extent of pollution and stay alert to protect their right to live in peace.