Dhaka’s noise pollution out of control: experts

Noise pollution levels in Dhaka city are reaching alarming heights, severely impacting the daily lives of its residents. Increasing traffic, unnecessary honking, rampant use of loudspeakers, and other sources of high-decibel noise are disrupting the capital's normalcy. Despite existing laws, there is a notable lack of effective enforcement.

Residents across Dhaka are facing significant health risks due to excessive noise. Many are experiencing hearing loss, with school and university students among the most affected. Children, the elderly, and patients are particularly vulnerable, with traffic police also unable to escape the noise onslaught.

Experts highlight that public awareness about the dangers of noise pollution remains low. Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder of Stamford University's Environmental Science Department pointed out, "Unnecessary honking, loudspeakers, and construction noise are making daily life unbearable. This issue is not just about physical health; it also affects mental well-being and even hampers urban plant reproduction and crop yields."

Prof Majumder added that controlling rampant horn usage alone could reduce Dhaka's noise pollution by 60%. However, poor law enforcement in this regard hinders progress. "We have laws, but their implementation is almost non-existent. For instance, the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006 mandate quiet zones around schools, hospitals, and mosques, but these are rarely enforced."

Health professionals are raising alarms about the long-term impacts of noise pollution. Prof Dr Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Director General (DG), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), explained, "Noise levels in Dhaka are more than double the acceptable limits, leading to serious physical and mental health issues. Beyond hearing loss, there is an increase in diabetes and heart complications. Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are particularly at risk. Exposure to noise levels of 120 decibels can cause immediate hearing damage, while consistent exposure to 85 decibels for two hours daily can gradually deteriorate hearing."

Experts emphasise the need for long-term planning and stricter enforcement of existing laws. "Countries with advanced noise control measures impose fines for unnecessary horn usage. We need similar robust enforcement here," Prof Majumder urged. He also called for increased public awareness and adherence to noise control measures, including avoiding the unnecessary use of headphones.

The Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) at Stamford University conducted a year-long study from April 2021 to March 2022, examining noise levels at ten locations in Dhaka. The research revealed that noise exceeded acceptable limits in all surveyed areas. Specifically, 96.7% of the time in quiet zones, 91.2% in residential areas, 83.2% in mixed-use areas, 61% in commercial areas, and 18.2% in industrial areas, the noise levels exceeded the standard thresholds.

CAPS's findings underscore the pervasive nature of noise pollution in Dhaka, with 82% of all monitored locations exceeding 60 decibels consistently. Despite the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006, which set permissible noise levels at 45 decibels at night and 55 during the day for residential areas, and 60 decibels at night and 70 during the day for commercial areas, enforcement remains a significant challenge.

The situation in Dhaka demands immediate and comprehensive action. Strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing public awareness, and enforcing noise control measures are critical steps towards mitigating the city's noise pollution crisis. Without decisive action, the health and well-being of Dhaka's residents will continue to deteriorate under the relentless assault of noise pollution.