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Noise pollution is largely a by-product of industrialisation, urbanisation and modern civilisation. Noise pollution has two sources1 i.e. industrial and non-industrial.
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The industrial source includes the noise from various industries and big machines working at a very high speed and high noise intensity.
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Non-industrial source of noise includes the noise created by transport/vehicular traffic and the neighbourhood noise generated by various noise pollutants can also be divided into categories, namely, natural and man-made.
Most leading noise sources are:2
Road Traffic Noise
Noise from the motors and exhaust systems of large trucks are common sources of noise pollution. For instance, the interaction of tyres with the roadway by trucks, buses, and private autos cause noise pollution. In cities, the main sources of traffic noise are the motors and exhaust systems of autos, smaller trucks, buses, and motorcycles. Read more on noise from vehicles here.
Noise from Aircraft
Aircraft are a major source of noise pollution and the law prescribes noise limits on airports depending on the aircraft movement and the area where the aircraft is situated, i.e., industrial area or commercial area.
Noise from Railroads
The noise from locomotive engines, horns and whistles, and switching and shunting operations in rail yards are sources of noise pollution. For example, rail car retarders which is a device that reduces the speed of a freight unit or a railway coach, can produce a high-frequency that can reach peak levels of 120 dB at a distance of 100 feet.
Construction Noise
The noise from the construction of highways, city streets, and buildings is a major contributor to the noise and air pollution in cities. For example, construction noise sources include:
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Air Hammers
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Air compressors
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Bulldozers
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Loaders and
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Dump trucks
Noise from Industrial Activity
Fans, motors, and compressors mounted on the outside of industrial buildings may disturb people living near noisy manufacturing plants. Above all, noise from machines and industries have a significant impact on industrial workers, among whom noise-induced hearing loss is unfortunately common.
Noise in Buildings
Internal building noise from plumbing, boilers, generators, air conditioners, and fans, can be audible and annoying. Improperly insulated walls and ceilings can reveal the sound of amplified music, voices, footfalls, and noisy activities from neighbours. External noise from emergency vehicles, traffic, refuse collection, and other city noises can be a problem for urban residents. Especially when the windows are open.
Noise from Consumer Products
Certain household equipment, for instance, vacuum cleaners and some kitchen appliances are common sources of noise noisemakers, although their contribution to the daily noise levels is usually not very large.
Fireworks
Indian festivals like Diwali, marriages, etc. use fireworks during celebrations.
However, bursting firecrackers is a health hazard since it is responsible for both air pollution and noise pollution. The noise created is hazardous, can lead sometimes to non-recoverable hearing loss.
- Noise Pollution (V), In re, (2005) 5 SCC 733. [↩]
- Noise Pollution (V), In re, (2005) 5 SCC 733. [↩]
Fiha
November 7, 2022
Thank you for this information ☺️
Vinod Kumar subramanian
June 5, 2023
Please research loudspeaker noise from vendors. This has become a major problem eversince COVID and ever-increasing. The vendors ply their tempos with rattling engine noise and a blaring loudspeaker. 1. Scrap vendor 2. Vegetable vendors 3. Gas repair 4. Sofa repair 5. Saibaba van. This is affecting work from home as well as senior citizens.
Alka Manral
June 25, 2024
The following possible steps may be taken:
1. A complaint can be filed with the local municipal corporation authorities. According to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, vendors must not exceed the permissable noise levels set for different zones. You can also file for an injunction or an order in the District court.
2. Causing noise pollution in a residential area may be considered public nuisance and an FIR with the local police can be filed for the same under Section 268 of the IPC
3. Each state in India has a State Pollution Control Board, with whom an online or in-person complaint can be filed regarding the noise pollution being caused. The state specific list of authorities is available on the website of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB under the “Authority List for Implementation of Noise Rules”) < https://cpcb.nic.in/displaypdf.php?id=Tm9pc2UtU3RhbmRhcmRzL0F1dGhvcml0eUxpc3QucGRm)>
4. If the pollution has been severe and continuous, a complaint can be filed with the National Green Tribunal
5. If it is a widespread issue affecting the entire community, then a PIL can be filed in the High Court or Supreme Court as an extreme measure
Raju
October 7, 2023
The newly occupied First floor is a Gymnasium. The impact of weight lifting and dropping, jumping exercises is creating quake like vibrations in the floors above. The tenant is not willing to control or vacate. Whom do we approach and secure the floor from cracking out of daily impact of the usage.
Alka Manral
September 2, 2024
Given talks with the tenant have not been fruitful, -Contact the Resident’s Welfare Association or the Building’s Management if there is one
– Consider sending a legal notice through a lawyer
– Contact local bodies such as the municipality, state police or State Urban Housing Department. Getting expert advice from an Engineer would also help.
sony Vakde
November 13, 2023
Hi, We need to file a complaint on noise pollution, our neighbour has let out his house on rent for Non veg hotel , the chimneys are creating lot of noise until 1 AM in the early morning. We have serious issues with noise its too disturbing, my mom and our other neighbour are hear patient. we have requested them many times, but they don’t bother.
We have sleepless nights, and the noise is very irritating during the day time. we are loosing cool, patience and our health is also at risk..
Who and how can we get help to stop this noise permanently.
Kristen
June 24, 2024
Noise pollution is a growing concern in urban areas, affecting both human health and wildlife. It’s crucial to address sources like traffic, industrial activities, and construction to create quieter, more livable environments. Implementing noise reduction strategies can significantly improve our quality of life.