Noise Pollution is defined as any form of Noise that disrupts the normal functioning of life. Left unchecked, it can have serious effects on the mind and body of humans.
Noise pollution is one of the biggest sources of this discomfort, streets, and nuisance in Pakistan. In urban areas and big cities, noise pollution has reached a dangerous level. For instance, a survey by the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency claims that the level of noise in Lahore and reached 91 Decibels whereas a maximum of 75 decibels is acceptable. This means that the mental and physical health of so many people is already at risk.
The major causes of noise pollution in Pakistan traffic on roads, construction sites, careless use of electronic appliances, and Loud speech patterns. Noise coming from different modes of transport, i.e. vehicles, trains, ships. airplanes prove to be highly stressful for human communities. With population growth and development in urban areas, vehicular traffic has also increased multiplied. This has given rise to noise pollution, largely in the form of an unwarranted honking by drivers. Also, the mushroom’s growth of residential colonies near airports and railway stations has exposed residential to the permanent and unavailable source of noise pollution.
Another source of noise pollution in urban areas is work on construction sites. Construction work in urban areas is usually slow and time-consuming. The use of transport and equipment at construction sites, its grilling, and piercing sound is a big source of noise pollution. It not only disturbs the general public but also affects the construction workers by causes mental fatigue.
The use of technology is another cause of noise pollution. For example, unmonitored use of mobile phones, electricity generator, music systems, and TV, all become irritants from time to time. People usually do not switch off their mobiles or put them on silent mode when they enter offices, hospitals, schools, and colleges. They also use electricity generators excessively in residential areas and put other residents ill at ease. Moreover, listening to loud music or TV on loud volume is another source of noise pollution. For this, people need to develop some civic responsibility so that others may not be in trouble because of their careless actions.
Noise pollution causes not only environmental damage but it also has a negative impact on human health. It can cause is aggression, hypertension, high stress levels, hearing loss, restlessness, depression, and insomnia. Insomnia can further lead to anxiety, bad temper, and emotional stress. In addition, noise pollution can seriously affect the learners, it gives them a necessary mental and physical tensions.
In Pakistan, there is a dire need to bring down the noise levels coming from various sources. The government must gear up and utilize various means to control and unwarranted noise levels. For example, Punjab Environment Protection Agency recommends around 55 decibels of the noise level in residential colonies and 75 decibels in commercial areas. These figures must be strictly enforced by the government. In addition, the government should ensure smooth traffic flow, stop vehicles from roads, use noise barriers where necessary, and expedite construction to reduce noise pollution. Also, the residential societies should come forward to frame and enforce rules in their areas to check unnecessary noise producing agents.
Offices, hospitals, and academic institutions should strictly prohibit the use of mobile phones for better noise management. Moreover, people should be discouraged to speak loudly in these areas.
Noise Pollution is a serious issue and needs attention at local and state levels. People must develop awareness about the dangerous impact of noise on human health. It is, therefore, need to acquire and civic sense and responsible attitude to avoid the unnecessary use of noise pollution irritants in the environment. Only then our country should be a much quieter and peaceful place to live in.
