VIJAYAWADA: The average noise pollution levels are on the rise across Vijayawada. The real-time noise pollution monitoring units in the city are revealing an alarming picture. Officials of Pollution Control Board are citing that the increasing number of vehicles are contributing to sound pollution.The average noise levels in Vijayawada are increasing year after year since 2013. Though the tolerable standard of noise level is 50 decibels, Vijayawada is recording an average of 70-75 decibels. From the year 2013 to 2017, the average increase in noise pollution is 5 to 10 decibels. Visakhapatnam is the most noisiest city in the State, followed by Tirupati and Vijayawada.
Officials of AP Pollution Control Board (PCB) are claiming that noise pollution is being caused by the increasing number of vehicles in all major cities in the State. “Earlier the city doesn’t have these many vehicles and traffic jams. After the State bifurcation and declaration of Amaravati as State capital, the city is experiencing heavy pollution. While human population is growing at 5 per cent, the vehicular population is increasing by 15 to 20 per cent. The new State is witnessing rapid growth of human population with migrations resulting in the rise of vehicles. Pointless honking on roads is leading to an increase in noise pollution levels,’’ said N Subba Rao, Director of AP Pollution Control Board.
At times the residential areas in Vijayawada like Suryaraopeta, Labbipet, Governorpet and Seethanagaram are touching the 80 decibel mark. The industrial areas like Autonagar and RTC Complex are crossing 85 decibels on weekdays. The doctors are expressing concern regarding the increase in noise pollution stating that human ear can tolerate a maximum of 70 decibels for a span of 2 to 3 hours in an entire day. “The honking of vehicles is one of the several reasons behind the increase in heart attacks. Public should follow ‘no sound horn’ rule to contribute for a healthy environment,” said Dr S Prabhakar, an ENT specialist.
The unwanted sound
The average noise levels in Vijayawada are increasing year after year since 2013
While human population is growing at 5 %, the vehicular population is increasing by 15 to 20 % in Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam is the most noisiest city in the State, followed by Tirupati and Vijayawada