As per UNEP report, Moradabad is the 2nd most noise polluted city globally.

Why in news?

• UNEP ‘Frontiers’ report 2022: Noise, Blazes and Mismatches’ looks at three concerns: Urban soundscapes, wildfires and phonological shifts.
• Noise pollution is defined as regular exposure to elevated sound levels that may lead to adverse effects in humans or other living organisms.
• CPCB has laid down the permissible noise pollution levels in India for different areas.

Key findings

• 13 noise polluted cities are in south Asia. Five of these are in India, namely Moradabad, Kolkata, Asansol, Jaipur and Delhi.
• Long-term exposure to noise pollution from road traffic, railways, or leisure activities causes premature deaths, heart disease, metabolic disorders, and people suffer from irritability.
• Highest noise pollution has been recorded in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Steps taken to deal with noise pollution

• Earlier, it was covered under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 but later, Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 replaced it. However, under Air Act, 1981, noise emanating from industry is regulated by State Pollution Control Boards / Pollution Control Committees (SPCBs / PCCs) for states/UTs.
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) proposed fines between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1 lakh for those who violate norms.
• Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 prescribed noise standards for motor vehicles, air-conditioners, refrigerators etc.
• Solution- vegetation in urban environments, Noise barriers along highways or railways, conducting awareness campaigns etc.