Pfoshuo Ariicho
Dimapur | August 4
Noise - an unwanted, disturbing sound that causes nuisance to the human environment is escalating at such a high rate that it has become a major threat to the quality of everyday life in the world. In the past few years, noise in Nagaland, especially in Kohima and Dimapur, have been increasing rapidly.
To do away with noise pollution in Dimapur, Bidhu Shekhar IPS, SP Dimapur has banned the use of high pitched horns in the city on June 5. But, despite the order, many are still seen blowing their vehicle horns joyously not knowing the effect of the sound. SP said that the main problem in controlling noise pollution is the lack of awareness among the people. With most of the hospitals in Kohima and Dimapur located by road-sides, the unwanted sound produced by vehicles has led to slow improvement of patients and in some cases, the conditions of some patients worsened, said hospital sources. Noise also causes temporary or permanent hearing loss, increases blood pressure and heart rate, affects the speech of a person, hypertension and many other psychological effects. In Kohima, certain places like hospitals have been declared ‘No Horn Zones’ by the authority. In Dimapur too, ‘No Horn Zones’ boards will also be put up wherever necessary in the city, the Dimapur SP informed.
The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 has empowered the State Government to categorize the areas into industrial, commercial, residential or silent areas/zones for the purpose of implementation of noise standards for different areas, but Nagaland Pollution Control Board’s Scientist, Nell Vasa and Junior Scientist Assistant Meren Imcha have expressed helplessness at the ineffective implementation of the rule due to ‘haphazard town planning in Nagaland’. The board provides the rules to the concern department authorized by the state government and the authority concern looks into the strict implementation of the given rules said Nell and Meren. The board monitors the noise level in industries and other sources such as loud speaker, generators etc and advice them to minimize the noise said Nell and Meren but vehicles, the main source of noise pollution in Nagaland lies with the transport department.
The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 through different clause has also empowered a state government to frame rules for the upkeep of motor vehicles and control of noise produced by them but till date, the Motor Vehicles Rules made by state do not contain any effective control measures to control noise pollution except a meager control of horns and silencers of the motor vehicles. In Nagaland, especially in Kohima and Dimapur, traffic noise is the most prominent source of noise pollution. The other sources of noise pollution are the use of loud speakers, bursting of fireworks and crackers during festivals, constructions activities etc.
Lack of awareness among the enforcing agency and the general public has also lead to the rapid increase in noise pollution in Kohima and Dimapur said the board. “Thus, it is time that the people are made aware of the rules and the effect of noise pollution before it is too late” further said the board.
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