Control of Noise Pollution

Noise is a controllable pollutant. There is a growing concern about increasing noise pollution amongst people. Since the towns and cities in India are becoming more and more densely packed, the noise pollution is likely to increase both during the day time and in the night.

Noise pollution can be minimized using certain control measures. Changing the vehicle design, changes in tyres or road surfaces and eliminating old and noisier vehicles can reduce noise due to surface transport. Similar changes in design of machinery and equipment used in industries and construction work can help in checking noise pollution.

If possible, the residential areas should be distant from railroads, highways, airports, industries and factories.

Use of sound absorbing materials such as glass wool, felts, porous blocks, perforated files and blocks, carpets etc can also minimize noise.

Noise barriers, mufflers, silencers etc. reduce the transmission of sound. In addition, earplugs, earmuffs and helmets can be used for personal protection from noise.

A buffer zone of vegetation is also helpful to curtail noise to some extent. In addition to this, it is also necessary to educate people about noise and its harmful effects. Such an awareness would encourage them to exercise self­control and reduce noise pollution.

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