Excessive noise damages a special type of cell in the inner ear of human beings. There is also a risk of permanent hearing loss. Due to the level of noise in Dhaka, doctors are warning that if most people live in the capital for a long time, they will gradually experience hearing loss.
The level of noise is currently very high in all areas of the capital. The standards specified in the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006 are exceeded almost everywhere. A general examination of the acceptable level of noise in various parts of the city shows that the noise level is about 1.3 to 2 times higher. Experts feel that there is no alternative to taking strict measures to prevent the ongoing pollution.
World Hearing Day is being observed amid such a situation on Friday. The day was first observed in 2007 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The slogan for 2023 is “Ear and Hearing Care for All”.
Noise pollution
According to a recent study by Stamford University's Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Dhaka city is experiencing noise pollution at an alarming level, which poses a serious threat to public health.
According to the study, the level of noise in almost all areas of the capital exceeded the standards specified in the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006. In various parts of the city, the noise level is about 1.3 to 2 times higher than the acceptable noise level. In the Dhaka South City Corporation area the noise level was tracked at 76.80 decibels. It is highest at some populous areas of the city, such as New Market, Naya Paltan and Press Club intersection. Noise pollution at these areas has been recorded at 100.65 decibels, 92.22 decibels and 90.03 decibels respectively.
Under the DSCC, the least polluted areas are Abul Hotel intersection, Dainik Bangla and Zero Point. Noise pollution in these areas was recorded at 78.27 decibels, 77.92 decibels and 77.60 decibels respectively.
Meanwhile, the average noise level in Dhaka North City Corporation area was found to be 80.56 decibels, which is higher than in the south. The highest noise was tracked at Mohammadpur Bus Stand intersection, Shia Masjid intersection and Mascot Plaza intersection. Pollution levels in these areas were recorded at 99.77 decibels, 93.05 decibels and 90.27 decibels, in that order.
And the least polluted areas are Mirpur Beribandh intersection, Rabindra Sarani intersection and Gulshan-2, where the level of noise pollution is 74.86 decibels, 75.25 decibels and 76.01 decibels respectively.
Incidentally, according to the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules-2006, the standard level of noise (maximum limit) for Dhaka during the day is 60 decibels. In that case, the noise intensity has exceeded the standard in the two city corporation areas of Dhaka.
Source of noise pollution in Dhaka city
As the number of vehicles in the city corporation areas increases day by day, the level of noise pollution is also increasing. Generally, traffic (horns, engines, wheel friction and vibration), railway traffic, aircraft takeoff, construction sites and tile cutters, building demolition, factories, generators generate noise. Other sources include religious and political events.
What the experts are saying
Sharif Jamil, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), said that although there is a law to prevent noise pollution in the country, there is not enough action.
The chairman of the Department of Environmental Science at Stamford University, Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumdar, said Dhaka city should be declared horn-free to prevent noise pollution.
He said that the use of banned hydraulic horns should be strictly controlled. Along with this, awareness among passengers, drivers and car owners should be increased.
What do doctors say?
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Department of Otolaryngology Professor Dr Abul Hasnat Joardar said that 9.6% of people in Bangladesh are suffering from some level of deafness.
He said noise pollution affects our ears in two ways. Noise pollution directly causes deafness by gradually destroying the ability of the ear to hear. Years of exposure to high noise levels can cause deafness, he added.
