Noise pollution has become commonplace in Tangail with the local authorities seemingly unperturbed by the menace.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sound levels as high as 70 decibels are not damaging to living organisms, but they regularly exceed 100dB in many parts of the district.
The loud horns of vehicles and the sound from machines used in construction sites in residential areas are putting the health of elderlies and children at risk.
Although there are strict laws on noise pollution, they are not being enforced in Tangail as people nonchalantly honk the horns of their vehicles while in front of schools and hospitals.
If this continues, the people of Tangail will face serious health risks, including hearing loss as well as hypertension and insomnia, experts say.
Two researchers of Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) in Tangail, Hriday Chandra and Naziya Nawshin, recently recorded noises at various places in the city and found levels as high as 103dB, far above what the WHO recommends.
“The high-pitched horns of cars on the road [in front of the school] disrupts our education. There are many times when we are unable to understand what our teachers say in class,” said Saymon Sadik of Bindubashini Govt Boys’ High School.
Many pedestrians complained that drivers often honk for no reason and many needlessly install loud horns on their motorcycles.
They said they have to deal with various health issues, including headaches and hearing loss, due to the use of loud horns, and demanded the authorities take prompt action to address their plight.
ASM Saifullah, professor at MBSTU’s department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, said noise pollution causes mood swings, which could lead to social unrest.
Tangail Civil Surgeon Abul Fazal Md Shahabuddin said noise pollution can lead to both temporary and permanent damage to the ear.
One may have mental health issues if there is noise pollution when one sleeps at night, he added.
The level of noise pollution in the district will be reduced soon, the civil surgeon assured.
When asked about its alleged inaction, Department of Environment (DoE) Deputy Director Jamir Uddin said the recommended sound level is set by the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006, but in many places the noise levels are much higher than that.
The DoE is raising awareness to address the issue, and mobile courts are also seeing to some cases, he said.
Noise pollution can be reduced if everyone becomes aware, he added.
Terming noise pollution a “silent killer”, Deputy Commissioner Ataul Gani said the district administration has recommended the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), police and DoE to take necessary actions in this regard.
