PARADIP: The multi-tone horn, banned under the Motor Vehicle Rules, has become a menace in the Port Town as it is rampantly used by heavy vehicles especially trucks and buses. Youngsters are also using it in high powered bikes. According to locals, the number of trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles plying on Cuttack-Nuagaon NH-55 and Chandikhole-Paradip NH-5 (A) has gone up manifold. Besides causing air pollution, use of multi-tone horns by these vehicles has led to noise pollution in the town.
As per the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, permissible noise limit is 45-55 decibel for residential areas, 65-75 decibel for commercial areas and market places and 85-95 decibel for industrial areas. Moreover, noise level in silence zones like hospitals and educational institutions should not exceed the permissible limit of residential areas. While noise level of 80 decibel was recorded at Atharbanki, it was 75 decibel in Badapadia and 65 decibel in Madhuban areas of the town, sources said.
One ENT specialist said according to a study conducted by WHO, noise level beyond 75 decibel can cause serious health problems. Noise pollution is known to cause cardiovascular disorder like respiratory disorder, loss of sleep, hypertension, headache and other diseases. Besides irritability, ringing in the ears, it can result in hearing loss, he added.
Regional Officer of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, Paradip, Mukesh Mahaling said the department has issued warning to different industries to maintain noise pollution strictly. It is the responsibility of local administration, police and transport department to check sound pollution from the vehicles, he added.