N oise is a kind of environmental pollution that has emerged as a direct result of the technological advancements. Such technology is nothing more than a horrible noise that makes people feel uneasy. The ability of a child to learn can negatively be influenced by excessive noise, as this makes it more challenging for them to hear the teachings in a noisy environment. According to the findings of several research reviewed by the World Health Organisation (WHO, it was discovered that children who were constantly subjected to distracting noise had worse levels of reading ability, memory, and academic achievement.
 Noise pollution is an unavoidable issue on global scale, yet it is something that may be mitigated to a certain extent with effective management. There are numerous physiological and psychological effects which are caused by noise pollution. These effects can lead to a loss of hearing, stress, and high blood pressure, loss of sleep, distraction and lowers productively, irritation, anxiety, depression, digestive disorder, interference in communication, and a general reduction in the quantity of life and opportunities for tranquilly. Most commercial companies and industries employ loud machines. Exhaust fans, compressors, grinding mills, and so more things produce more loud noise. High-volume noise can impair employees’ hearing. Multiple vehicles on the road at once cause considerable noise pollution from traffic. Underground trains, aero planes flying above houses, and other types of transports make it hard to acclimatise to high sound. Construction, highways, dams, flyovers, and mining are noisy. The sound can impair hearing. People produce a nuisance that causes noise pollution in clubs, weddings, and other social places. Playing music loudly might impact a person’s hearing.
Generally, noise pollution comes from various sources which are different as per location and their nature. As a result, different methods have to be adopted in its solution. Although there are numerous contributors to urban noise pollution such as loudspeakers, building construction, street markets, mechanical workshops, and small factories, vehicles are the major factors as they account for approximately three-quarters of all noise in the city. Other contributors to urban noise pollution include loudspeakers, building construction, street markets, and small factories. In addition to the noise that is produced by car horns, a great deal of noise is generated by vehicles and engines that have not been properly maintained. The popularity of private transportation is rising, but the existing highways and roads cannot handle or accommodate the increasing number of automobiles. As a result, the amount of traffic is becoming extremely congested. Additionally, despite the fact that BRTA issues driving licenses, corruption results in the issuance of licenses to individuals with limited driving experience those with no knowledge of noise pollution. The strongest impact on reducing traffic noise can come from public awareness. Giving permission of battery-powered automobiles can be another measure to reduce noise pollution from the road, but the noise created by these vehicles will be significantly lower as they run on electric motors, which produce very little noise when operating.
The regulations created to control noise pollution exist solely in writing. Annually, pollution kills many lives. Noise pollution is one of the factors contributing to its spread in negligence. People are speaking out against environmental contamination all across the world. Since 1996, the US Center for Hearing and Communication has been observing ‘Noise Awareness Day’ to raise awareness about noise pollution. Since 2003, the day has been informally observed in Bangladesh. Although environmental pollution is a serious topic of discussion now in Bangladesh, noise pollution has not drawn so much attention like other pollutions happening in the country more frequently. If the regulations that are in place in our country to manage the pollution were effectively implemented, 80 per cent of this issue would have been resolved. A portion of the issue would have been resolved in addition to the noise pollution rules if the traffic laws had also been adequately implemented.
In our culture, social or religious events seem incomplete to some if there is no use of loud speakers. Uncontrolled and free use of loud speakers, microphones in processions, public meetings, pujo-parbans, weddings, late-night music jalsa, disco dances disturb the public life with much annoyance. As social beings we need to come forward to prevent noise pollution and stop playing loud sound or mic and burning fire crackers. In our country, some areas are divided into different zones, though it is not maintained correctly. In many cases, it can be seen that factories have been set up in the silent zone where various heavy machineries are being used. These factories should have been relocated to a remote location. Factory boundaries should be built with high walls. Also, very noisy protective machine canopy should be used and equipment should be properly maintained.
The greatest approaches to reduce noise on a building site involve eliminating noisy operations or replacing them with less noisy ones. Choosing quieter equipment and removing people from the noisy area can also be useful if this is not possible. Hearing protection zones may be used as a last resort. Reduce noise while designing. Consider incorporating ducts into a structure as opposed to pursuing channels in walls, for instance. Replace with a quieter process. For instance, when splitting blocks, utilise a hydraulic block splitter rather than a cut-off saw. People should be kept away from noisy construction sites. Use an excavator with a high-quality cab and a machine-mounted breaker and keep others away from the area while the breaker is in use. Compare noise levels from power tools while purchasing or renting equipment. Select the most silent, job-appropriate tools using information from the manufacturer or supplier. Selecting different tools will allow reducing noise as well. For instance, use rubber or plastic hammers rather than metal ones.
A happy household is a quiet home. While we spend a lot of time considering the best furniture purchases and colour schemes in an effort to create a tranquil and welcoming space to live in, we frequently forget one important component: sound proofing. The zone-like environment of a home can be swiftly destroyed by noisy neighbours, bother some appliances, and echo-producing flooring. Therefore, you should always pay attention to this bar, so that there is no noise pollution with the useable items. Use things that produce low noise. And make the next-door neighbours aware of the horrors of noise pollution.
Throughout the year, the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Investigations performs a variety of studies where noise pollution atrocities have been seen. Plantation and vegetation can be an important solution to noise pollution. Various studies have shown that trees can absorb and reduce noise. Above all, the main solution to noise pollution is to increase public awareness. Only conscious citizens can play a role in controlling noise pollution.
(The writer is Dean, Faculty of Science, Chairman, Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh).
