Pune: The latest environment status report for 2022-23 published by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has raised several concerns over excessive noise levels in commercial locations within the city limits. Excessive noise levels have several effects on human health, noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is the most prevalent health issue. Loud noise can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disruptions, and stress. These health issues can impact people of all ages, but mainly youngsters.
The Central Pollution Control Board has established sound limitations for several places. The allowed sound level for commercial zones is 65 dB during the day and 55 dB at night. Maximum noise levels in residential areas should not exceed 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night. Silent zones, on the other hand, should keep sound levels between 50 and 40 decibels during the day and below 40 decibels at night.
According to the environment status report, all commercial zones experienced sound levels that surpassed the permissible limits, both during the day and at night. Conversely, sound levels in residential zones were found to be below the maximum permissible limit, while silent zones were close to the prescribed limit. Mahesh Shindikar, a faculty member of applied sciences at COEP Technological University, speculated that lifestyle changes following the pandemic might have contributed to the reduction in noise pollution.
To assess the noise pollution situation, the civic administration also conducted surveys at various locations in the city. The results revealed that sound levels in commercial areas such as Nal Stop, RTO, Swargate, Mandai, Bremen Chowk, Wadgaon, and KK Market were consistently above the maximum limit since 2018. Meanwhile, residential areas like Ramoshi Gate Police Chowky, Poolachiwadi in Decacan, Katraj Lake, Fadake Haud, Erandwane, and Ramwadi Octroi post managed to stay below the maximum noise level.
Mangesh Dighe, the environment officer of PMC, emphasized that while the report sheds light on the excessive noise pollution, the exact reasons for the rise are yet to be determined and will be analyzed in the coming days.
