CHENNAI: For the first time in the country, a systematic study of noise levels is set to kick off in seven cities. A roadmap has been prepared and Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Lucknow have been identified for the initial phase of monitoring. Although noise was recognised way back in 1986 as a pollutant in the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, and the central government notified the noise pollution regulation and control Rules in 2000, continuous monitoring of noise levels has not been done so far in any state.“There has been no regular monitoring of noise levels, although random tests are done, especially during Diwali,” said some Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) officials. “A base line data will help identify the noisiest city and help undertake corrective measures,” they added.

Vehicular traffic is one of the largest contributors to high decibel levels, followed by air conditioners, refrigerators, diesel generators, construction equipment and fire crackers. High decibel levels could cause hearing loss (temporary or permanent) and even impact those suffering from cardiac ailments and high blood pressure. They are also known to add to stress, fractured sleep pattern, besides leading to road rage in some instances, said Dr N Venkatraman, a physician.

The noise standards, as per the Noise Regulations Rules, 2000, are 75 decibels in industrial areas, 65 decibels in commercial ones and 55 decibels in residential zones. “However, with the exponential growth in vehicular volumes, there is a need to re-assess the standards, for which baseline data is mandatory,” said CPCB officials. There are 25 lakh vehicles on Chennai’s roads with 19 lakh two-wheelers, 4.5 lakh cars and 1.5 lakh buses, vans, lorries and autorickshaws. Ten Chennai locations where noise levels will be monitored continuously will be identified in the coming days. “Traffic signals will be very much under the radar,” said officials.

Buenos Aires, which was identified as the noisiest city in the world in World Health Organisation (WHO) reports, after Tokyo, Nagasaki and New York, has embarked on a three-year study (2008-2012) of noise levels, as part of its strategic plan, and developed a mapping of all boroughs.

CPCB officials said existing air pollution monitoring stations would also be used for installing noise samplers. The programme will begin from March although the identified cities have asked to begin the study by September, and rationalise the data after seven months of continuous, 24-hour monitoring.

The CPCB has also recommended reduction of noise levels at night, from 10 pm to 6 am, and has asked state governments to specify the number of days (not exceeding 15 in a year) in which a two-hour exemption (from 10 pm to midnight) may be granted.