Paper: GS – III, Subject: Environment, Ecology and Disaster Management, Topic: Pollution, Issue: Ineffectiveness in tackling noise pollution.
Context:
Urban noise pollution has emerged as a neglected public health crisis.Cities often exceed permissible decibel (dB) levels, violating constitutional promises of peace and dignity.
Key Highlights:
Institutional Framework:
National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN): Launched in 2011 by CPCB as a real-time data platform, it now functions largely as a passive repository rather than an enforcement tool.
- However, data is fragmented and inaccessible while accountability is absent.
CPCB Guidelines Issue:
- Noise monitors are often placed at 25–30 feet high, violating norms.
- Incomplete/bias-prone data sets are an issue.
- Contrast with Europe: Europe actively uses mortality/illness data to shape policies.
Noise Pollution Rules, 2000: Outdated, fragmented, lack coordination between authorities.
Constitutional & Legal Dimensions:
- Article 21: Right to life and dignity includes freedom from noise pollution.
- Article 48A: Directive principle mandating protection of environment.
- Supreme Court 2024 ruling: Unchecked noise is a serious threat to mental well-being and civic freedom.
Worsening Factors:
| Case study: University of Auckland (2025 Study):Urban noise + artificial light disrupts sleep and song patterns of birds.Reduced complexity in bird calls → weakens ecological communication.Reflects deeper erosion of urban biodiversity. |
Social & Political Dimensions:
Civic Fatigue and Politics of Silence:
- Normalisation of sonic aggression (honking, drilling, loudspeakers).
- Noise becomes an “ambient irritant” tolerated, not challenged.
- Unlike smoke/waste, noise is invisible → harder to mobilise public outrage.
Policy Gaps:
- Lack of inter-agency coordination.
- No regular updates to Noise Pollution Rules.
- Weak penalties and compliance for violators.
- Overemphasis on symbolic enforcement instead of systemic reform.
Way Forward for Noise Management:
Conclusion:
Urban noise pollution is not just an environmental issue but a constitutional, social, and ecological crisis. Tackling it requires data-driven governance, inter-agency coordination, strict enforcement, and cultural change towards sonic empathy.
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