Just when one thought that the city could not get any noisier, it did. The numerous flyovers under construction along with the massive Metro Rail project snaking through the city have resulted in higher levels of noise pollution than ever before, especially in the residential and “silent” zones.
A study, wherein a IIT-Madras team measured sound levels across the city, found that even in the “silent zones” – a 100 metre radius around educational institutes, hospitals and courts — noise pollution was between 40 and 70 decibels louder than the permissible level of 50 dB during the day and 40 dB at night.
Silent zones at Kilpauk and Adyar were the noisiest, along with the residential localities in Pammal and Porur. It was also found that the “mixed areas” of Arcot Road and Anna Arch were just as noisy as commercial hubs like Nungambakkam, Nandanam and Pondy Bazaar.
According to ENT surgeon Dr K. Balakumar, the human ear can withstand sounds of 60 to 70 decibels, while noises of intensities between 80 and 100 are unhealthy. “Continuous exposure to sounds above 100 decibels is considered dangerous to the inner ear. Horns used by trucks and buses produce sounds as high as 120 decibels,” he said.
“The word ‘noise’ itself is derived from the Greek word ‘nausea’. Chennai has become dangerously noisy and most of this din comes from the tens of thousands of vehicles plying our roads every day.
The authorities should treat this as a serious menace and crack down on vehicles with air-horns and auto drivers who tamper with their exhaust pipes and silencers,” said Mr M.B. Nirmal, founder, EXNORA international, who will shortly be launching his “Voice against Noise” campaign in the city.
“The campaign will drive home the point that excessive noise pollution could lead to insomnia, negative stress, ulcers and even hypertension and heart disease. In pregnant women, some studies have shown that loud noises can affect the foetus,” added Mr Nirmal.