Noisy problem

NGT has drawn attention to a long-neglected area

By directing the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to prepare plans to curb noise pollution across the country, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated the long-delayed combat against a critical pollutant that has till now received scant attention. Like environmental pollution, noise pollution, too, is the outcome of human activities — industrialisation, urbanisation and modern lifestyle. But the awareness about its perils is wanting. Prolonged exposure to any sound louder than 80 decibels, even if it is music, can impair hearing, breathing and thinking processes besides affecting overall human health and productivity. Noise beyond 120 decibels can cause biochemical