Megacity Dhaka is experiencing severe noise pollution and it is increasing alarmingly. Experts consider it a serious threat to public health and suggest declaring Dhaka a horn-free city to prevent noise pollution.
International Noise Awareness Day is being observed on Wednesday in such a poor situation. Yet, the authorities have taken a simultaneous countrywide campaign on this occasion.
The Centre for Hearing and Communication, a US-based organization, started a global campaign against loud noise in 1996. Since then, the day has been celebrated on the last Wednesday of April every year. The theme of the day this year is “Protect Your Ears, Protect Your Health”.
The main objective of the day is to make the public aware of noise pollution: the harmful aspects of noise pollution, what can be done to prevent noise pollution and highlighting the responsibilities and obligations of the government.
On the occasion of the day, the Department of Environment (DoE) will conduct an anti-noise pollution campaign in 64 districts of the country. Besides, workshops and rallies will be held in districts and posters, leaflets and stickers will be distributed to raise awareness against noise pollution, said DoE Director Masuma Khanam.
“We are conducting regular campaigns against hydraulic horns to prevent noise pollution,” she added.
Several private organizations will also observe the day through various programs.
According to a recent study, the noise level in all areas of Dhaka exceeded the standard specified in the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006. In various parts of the city, the noise level was about 1.3 to 2 times more than the acceptable noise level.
The Atmospheric Pollution Study Center (CAPS) conducted the study.
In the areas under the Dhaka South City Corporation, the average noise level was found to be 76.80 decibels. The three road intersections with the highest levels of noise pollution are New Market, Naya Paltan and Press Club. The level of noise pollution there is 100.65 decibels, 92.22 decibels and 90.03 decibels respectively.
Meanwhile, the average noise level in Dhaka North City Corporation areas was recorded at 80.56 decibels. The highest level of noise pollution was found at Mohammad Bus Stand, Shia Mosque and Mascot Plaza intersections with 99.77 decibels, 93.05 decibels and 90.27 decibels respectively.
The head of the research team, Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumdar, suggested that Dhaka city be declared horn-free immediately. The ban on hydraulic horns, which was declared long ago, should be strictly enforced. Along with this, the awareness of passengers, drivers and car owners should be ensured.
Moreover, in line with the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006, the authorities should emphasize providing signboards in designated areas (quiet, residential, commercial, industrial and mixed).
Abu Nasser, chairman of Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba), said: “Not only the government, but we all should be aware. It is difficult for the government or any single organization to solve the menace of noise pollution alone. So everyone should prevent noise pollution and work from their respective positions.”