Because of a huge reduction in vehicles on the road during the Coronavirus pandemic, everyone finally got to experience what it is like with minimal sound in our environment. Consequently the absence of the “honk” has given rise to the “chirp”. Research dictates that people are now experiencing the blossom of spring from their windows with the birds and the occasional monkey encounter in certain buildings is making people envious of their freedom.
On 14th February 2000, the Union government instituted the Noise Pollution rules in exercise and this framework has set the basic rules for prospective legislation and dispute regarding sound pollution in the nation and authorized the Central and State Governments to submit and pass legislation in this respect. Even though the process has been exceptionally difficult and needs real determination for undertaking a crucial transition.
The major sources for noise pollution are automobiles, mobs, trains, airports, etc. With a halt in travel, noise pollution in and around urban areas has seen a drastic drop. Creating hope for those who were majorly affected by it to make others enjoy and get used to it, so that something similar could continue even after this pandemic is taken care of.
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Various Effects of Noise Pollution:
- Noise pollution is correlated with many health disorders including cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, high-stress levels, hearing loss, insomnia and other harmful and disturbing effects.
- Aquatic noise pollution because of human activities is also common in the sea. Cargo ships produce huge levels of noise due to propellers and diesel engines.
- Noise levels of 80 decibels or more for exceeding 8 hours a day give rise to tension and affect breathing patterns.
- Noise pollution for more than 120 decibels causes many negative biochemical changes.
- Noise has destructive effects on non-living materials too. Many old buildings and new constructions have created cracks under the pressure of explosive sounds.
In fact, according to various findings, noise is the next biggest environmental cause of health problems, after the effects of air pollution.
People have become habituated to harmful sound levels in cities since it is what they are used to listening to on a daily basis. Most of us have experienced irritating honkers during busy traffic, or when crossing the road, one can only imagine how they are compensating their addiction to honking. Research dictates that the only way to reduce noise pollution is to reduce the number of cars on the road, while others say better traffic management and laws can curb the situation very well.
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One of the characteristics that Mumbai is famous for globally is its traffic. Mumbai is considered to have 530 vehicles per km and is considered as the noisiest city across the world. The average travel time on Mumbai’s major routes is beyond an hour, more than double the averages of Hong Kong and New York. It definitely is a city that needs work.
Motorised cars and vehicles in urban areas must become the strategy makers first target to reduce noise pollution. In the same way, if we wish a deduction of traffic chaos this will impose incentivising effective travel like brisk walking, jogging, cycling and public transportation. In fact, shifting from car to cycle has incredible probable benefits for noise, air pollution and health issues.
Now that the bicycle has become one of the safest means of transportation during the coronavirus emergency. Several cities abroad have been working to improve infrastructure for cyclists. Such a crucial measure should be urged to reshape the mobility system after the covid phase. But it’s not the only solution that researchers have found, they proclaim that a better traffic management system, self-driving cars and lane discipline could drastically bring about a drop in noise pollution.
As coronavirus got transmitted so rapidly nationwide, the entire world accepted the lockdown with the restriction of human mobility. Since the social, economic and industrial activity stopped during the lockdown, nature began to restore itself with clean air, water, calm wildlife and less noise pollution.
As the government keeps on developing rules and guidelines for noise pollution, we all should not forget to abide by all the rules and implement the measures to limit the noise.