Gurgaon: Haryana State Pollution The Board of Control (HSPCB) on Wednesday set up two temporary noise-level monitoring units in DLF Phase 2 and Sector 48 to check noise pollution. Diwali.
According to the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the noise level should not exceed 55 decibels in residential areas, 65 decibels in commercial areas and 75 decibels in industrial areas. At night, the limit is 45 decibels in residential areas, 55 decibels in commercial areas and 70 decibels in industrial areas.
HSPCB officials said the units would help them in taking steps to check noise pollution during Diwali. “This year, we have set up temporary monitoring stations to record the noise level before and during Diwali. We have recorded the noise level in DLF Phase 2 and Sector 48 on 29th October and will record the noise level in the same area on 4th November. We will analyze the data set to see the difference,” said Kuldeep Sharma, regional officer, HSPCB.
However, noise quality experts agree that temporarily monitoring noise during Diwali is not a long-term solution to check pollution in the city. “There should be a roadmap for Gurgaon to set up permanent noise monitoring units in sensitive areas in the city; Near hospitals, schools and homes for the elderly. The data can help (relevant authorities) study the parameters, as well as take measures to reduce the noise level in those areas,” said Sachin Panwar, an independent expert on air and noise pollution. Near sensitive areas such as hospitals, the noise level should not exceed the limit of 45 decibels.
Panwar also advocated monitoring of air quality. The level of pollutants increased last week as the air quality index, which was ‘moderate’ last week, is currently ‘very poor’.
According to HSPCB, during Diwali last year, the noise level in DLF Phase 2 residential area increased from 66 decibels to 68 decibels. Meanwhile, in the commercial area along MG Road, the noise level increased from 68 to 70 decibels in 2020. A similar 1-4 decibel increase has been seen in previous years.
“We are hopeful that this year there will be less air and noise pollution in the city as there is a complete ban on firecrackers. We have organized workshops to make students aware and motivate them not to use firecrackers,” said Kuldeep Singh, Regional Officer, HSPCB, Gurgaon.
According to the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the noise level should not exceed 55 decibels in residential areas, 65 decibels in commercial areas and 75 decibels in industrial areas. At night, the limit is 45 decibels in residential areas, 55 decibels in commercial areas and 70 decibels in industrial areas.
HSPCB officials said the units would help them in taking steps to check noise pollution during Diwali. “This year, we have set up temporary monitoring stations to record the noise level before and during Diwali. We have recorded the noise level in DLF Phase 2 and Sector 48 on 29th October and will record the noise level in the same area on 4th November. We will analyze the data set to see the difference,” said Kuldeep Sharma, regional officer, HSPCB.
However, noise quality experts agree that temporarily monitoring noise during Diwali is not a long-term solution to check pollution in the city. “There should be a roadmap for Gurgaon to set up permanent noise monitoring units in sensitive areas in the city; Near hospitals, schools and homes for the elderly. The data can help (relevant authorities) study the parameters, as well as take measures to reduce the noise level in those areas,” said Sachin Panwar, an independent expert on air and noise pollution. Near sensitive areas such as hospitals, the noise level should not exceed the limit of 45 decibels.
Panwar also advocated monitoring of air quality. The level of pollutants increased last week as the air quality index, which was ‘moderate’ last week, is currently ‘very poor’.
According to HSPCB, during Diwali last year, the noise level in DLF Phase 2 residential area increased from 66 decibels to 68 decibels. Meanwhile, in the commercial area along MG Road, the noise level increased from 68 to 70 decibels in 2020. A similar 1-4 decibel increase has been seen in previous years.
“We are hopeful that this year there will be less air and noise pollution in the city as there is a complete ban on firecrackers. We have organized workshops to make students aware and motivate them not to use firecrackers,” said Kuldeep Singh, Regional Officer, HSPCB, Gurgaon.
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