Noise pollution shoots up in BTM Layout

BENGALURU: Not only air pollution, even noise pollution has gone up in BTM Layout, which is a residential area, according to the data released for November by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).

KSPCB sources said that the construction of Metro passing through BTM Layout and heavy traffic in the area are the reasons for the increased pollution levels.

The data revealed that the noise pollution in the area during daytime has seen an increment of 15.3%, while the limit is 55 dB, and an increment of 40.9% during nights, when the average limit is 45 dB. 

Mr Mahesh Kashyap, a consultant with the Centre for Sustainable Development, said, “BTM Layout always witnesses heavy traffic at peak hours during the day. But if there is an increment of 40.9% during nights, it is a cause for worry.”

He said that such a steep rise is not acceptable in a residential area and residents should complain to the authorities against it.

Also, near Nimhans, the decibel levels are very high because of high volume of traffic on the National Highway passing near the hospital.

KSPCB Chairman Lakshman has, however, maintained in the past that the movement of vehicles increases in the night. “The movement of vehicles in industrial areas is one way and the traffic management is good. Moreover, continuous honking in residential areas is observed due to the increased number of vehicles which contribute to the noise pollution,” he said.

The KSPCB has now started real-time monitoring of air and noise pollution on its website. Citizens can now note down the level of noise and air pollution in different localities at different times.