by Pushkar Chandna (T-30/2201, 9999724888)
Noise pollution is making Noida, NCR and any other Metros audibly intolerable places to live in. In our country, it is emerging as a major threat not only to individual health but also to social harmony and well-being and has both economic and societal consequences.
Two decades ago, on 14th February 2000, the Union Ministry Of Environment and Forests (MoEF) enacted the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, but was hardly ever holistically implemented. As per this Act; the ambient air quality standards for a residential area like Lotus Panache is 55 dB(A) Leq during day time and 45 dB(A)Leq.
Noise pollution within our society is quite a common issue and noise coming from as much as a horn amplifies due to the structure of the society and the air pockets due to the placement of towers. Not only is this noise pollution disturbing but it also causes, to some, stress, anxiety, issues with concentration etc., especially among seniors.
In Panache itself, we see many examples of Noise pollution such as a custom-fitted silencer that makes more sound than usual. People honking within the society for no reason, music from cars and house parties, and car alarms going off in the middle of the night. It wouldn’t be out of place to mention here that a few motorbikes and car owners at Lotus Panache condominium too have got fitted with similar types of pressure horns/modified silencers and their drivers do flaunt them now and then within the premises. Although the Facility Management has already installed many signages at various vantage points in the society: “PLEASE DON#T HONK INSIDE THE SOCIETY”.
We residents need to be more considerate and it is high time we establish noise monitoring systems within Panache to make residents aware. The Noida Traffic Police (NTP) already has handheld noise measuring systems and the same can be used within the society when needed. People getting disturbed due to loud music or noise during non-permissible hours can report the matter at 112 or on their Twitter handle @112 Uttar Pradesh, and it has been observed that any complaint on these numbers are being promptly attended by Noida Police and reaches ground zero within a few minutes.
