Page 20 - The Indian EYE 081922

The Indian Eye
OP-ED AUGUST 19, 2022 20

CREATING PLEASANT

SOUNDSCAPES

SADHNA SHANKER

ecently, the United Nations
Environment Program’s An-
Rnual Frontier Report 2022
identified Moradabad in UP as the
second most noise polluted city in the
world. Out of 61 most noise polluted
cities of the world, 5 are in India. The
other four are Kolkatta, Asansol, Jai-
pur and Delhi. While the quietest city
in the world is Ibrid in Jordan, fol-
lowed by Lyon in France.
Simply explained, noise pollu-
tion is as regular exposure to ele-
vated sound levels that may lead to
adverse effects in humans or other
living organisms. As per its 1999
guidelines, WHO has laid down that plays a part in adding to the public and dolphins are particularly impact- and promoting use of electric vehi-
sounds above 70 decibels are harmful health burden. ed by noise pollution. cles are important in the easing of
for health. In many animal species, acoustic On the other hand, the sounds noise pollution.
There is no such thing as ‘silence’ communication holds an important in nature bring immense benefits to Many cities are carving out quiet
on the planet, sounds occur continu- place in their survival. Reports find health and well being. The sound of public spaces like gardens, parks and
ously and everywhere. When sound that many species have altered their a river, rain, breeze and chirping of natural reserves, where people can
is persistent and too loud it becomes pitches, timings and frequencies to birds offers immense peace and re- enjoy natural sounds. The emphasis
noise pollution, which is now identi- beat the onslaught of city noises. laxation. In a broader sense, tackling on switching to bicycles around the
fied as a major environmental haz- For instance, in European cities, noise pollution is not about eliminat- world is also a measure to reduce
ard. As our cities grow the traditional robins seem to sing more at night ing noise or sounds, but creating an noise pollution.
sources of noise pollution are road, to avoid high acoustic interference acoustic environment where all spe- Apart from the larger efforts, we
rail, air traffic and industry, as also during the day. While some frogs cies thrive and grow. an contribute at individual level too.
from domestic, entertainment and exhibit gap-calling behavior as they Globally, many efforts are un- Simple steps like turning off appli-
leisure activities. High levels of noise time their calls to breaks in noise. derway to tackle urban noise pollu- ances, lowering volumes in private
pollution have been documented to These changes in the long run can al- tion. Tree belts around highways and spaces, regularly maintaining our
impact human health and well-being, ter abilities to reproduce and lead to airports are reported to reduce noise vehicles and other appliances, and
as also other living beings that inhab- extinction of species from habitats. by nearly 2 decibels. Planned green- wearing ear plugs if needed can be
it a landscape. Increasing noise is not only af- ery and vegetation in cities, includ- made a part of life. Above all, plant-
Apart from causing mere annoy- fecting animals on land, it is also a ing on rooftops also mitigates noise ing trees and increasing the vegeta-
ance, persistent exposure to noise growing problem for those that live pollution. Measures such as sound tion around our living and work spac-
pollution leads to distress, sleepless- in the ocean. Ships, oil drills, so- barriers around railway tracks and es can create pleasant soundscapes.
ness, impacts cardiac health, causes nar devices, and seismic tests have highways, quieter vehicle engines
other metabolic disorders and hear- made the once tranquil marine en- and low-noise asphalt road surfaces, Sadhna Shanker is a writer based in
ing impairment. Noise pollution vironment loud and chaotic. Whales using quiet tires in public transport New Delhi ([email protected])

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