Bengaluru: Noise pollution in the city seems to be showing no signs of going down.
Residential and sensitive zones like BTM Layout and Nimhans, where the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has installed noise monitoring systems, recorded high levels of noise pollution from April 2018 to January 2019, for which the data is available now. Data reveals that October was the noisiest month and maximum noise levels crossed 100 decibels (dB).
Environment consultant Mahesh Kashyap said that the percentage of increase in the noise level is high for both day and night. "Though the monitoring station at Nimhans is in an isolated area with trees nearby and is considered a sensitive area, the percentage increase is high for both day and night. This is a bit strange. In October, the maximum noise level crossed 100dB. It is also to be noted that the noise levels are high at night as per the threshold limits," he said.
The ACE Manufacturing System at Peenya Industrial Area remained quiet throughout the year with the decibel level within limits. Mr Kashyap suggested that the location of the monitoring system should be changed from ACE Manufacturing System to a new location for proper readings.
He said, "The noise monitoring station at ACE Manufacturing System in Peenya Industrial Area is on a street where lesser number of vehicles moves. The location is not noisy. May be it's time to move the monitoring system to a newer location to get proper readings."
He said that if a residential area like BTM Layout at night recorded high noise level, it can change the sleeping pattern of residents. “It is time proactive action is taken to reduce noise levels or this will only rise in future," he said.
