Hyderabad silent zones noise pollution : Even the ‘silent zones’ of Hyderabad are not silent anymore. Of late, several parts of the city have been logging noise levels beyond permissible limits, raising concerns about noise pollution. While the usually busy commercial areas are known for elevated noise levels, the areas of the city designated as ‘silent zones’ have started falling victim to increased noise levels.
Hyderabad’s Silent Zones Are Louder Than Ever – Here’s What’s Causing the Noise Explosion!
Noise Level Categories
For monitoring and enforcement purposes, the areas of the city are divided into categories such as silent, commercial, residential, and industrial, with permissible noise levels assigned accordingly. These classifications are meant to ensure a balance between urban activity and residents’ well-being, but recent data indicates a concerning trend.
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Rising Noise Levels in Silent Zones
What once were true reflections of silent areas are now increasingly getting drowned by the din. Silent zones in Hyderabad are experiencing noise levels both during the day and night well above the permissible limits of 50dB and 40dB, respectively. In some areas, daytime noise levels hover close to 60dB, and during the nights, it is approximately 50dB. These levels are at least 10dB above the acceptable limits, attributed mainly to the sharp increase in the number of vehicles on the city roads, which significantly elevate noise levels.
Case Study: Jubilee Hills
One prominent example is Jubilee Hills, which has gained repute as a bustling eat street in the last few years. The influx of vehicles zooming in and out until late nights has caused noise levels to surge. Despite the permissible noise level being 55dB during the daytime and 45dB at night, Jubilee Hills’ noise levels range in the 70s, going as high as 78.52dB during the day and 79.83dB at night in January, according to data from the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGSPCB).
Commercial and Residential Areas
The TGSPCB data shows that noise levels in commercial areas, except for Paradise, hover close to the maximum permissible level of 65dB during the day. However, at night, these levels often exceed the recommended 55dB mark, breaching the 65dB threshold multiple times. Paradise recorded noise levels upwards of 70dB both during the day and night throughout the year.
Industrial Areas
Interestingly, the industrial areas consistently registered noise levels below the maximum permissible limits. During the day, the noise levels in industrial zones were well below the permissible 75dB figure, with Sanathnagar recording as low as 54.37dB in March. The nighttime levels were also comfortably within limits, showcasing better compliance compared to other areas.
Conclusion
The rising noise levels in Hyderabad’s silent zones are a cause for concern, reflecting the challenges of urbanization and increased vehicular traffic. Effective monitoring and enforcement are essential to ensure that noise pollution does not adversely affect the quality of life. The data underscores the need for stringent measures to control noise pollution and preserve the tranquility of designated silent zones.
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FAQ: Noise Pollution in Hyderabad’s Silent Zones
- What is a silent zone?
- A silent zone is an area where noise levels are strictly regulated to ensure a quiet environment. These areas typically include hospitals, schools, and residential neighborhoods.
- What are the permissible noise levels in silent zones?
- The permissible noise levels in silent zones are 50dB during the daytime and 40dB at night.
- Why are noise levels increasing in Hyderabad’s silent zones?
- The increase in noise levels is mainly due to the sharp rise in vehicular traffic, construction activities, and commercial establishments encroaching into these zones.
- Which areas in Hyderabad are designated as silent zones?
- Areas around hospitals, schools, and certain residential neighborhoods are designated as silent zones.
- What is the role of the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGSPCB)?
- TGSPCB monitors noise levels across the city, including silent zones, and enforces regulations to control noise pollution.
- How are noise levels measured?
- Noise levels are measured using sound level meters that record the intensity of sound in decibels (dB).
- What were the recent noise levels recorded in Jubilee Hills?
- In January, Jubilee Hills recorded noise levels as high as 78.52dB during the daytime and 79.83dB at night, far exceeding the permissible limits.
- How do noise levels in commercial areas compare to those in silent zones?
- Noise levels in commercial areas are generally higher than in silent zones. For example, Paradise recorded noise levels upwards of 70dB both day and night.
- Are industrial areas also affected by high noise levels?
- Surprisingly, industrial areas consistently recorded noise levels below the permissible limits, with some areas like Sanathnagar recording as low as 54.37dB during the day.
- What impact does high noise pollution have on residents?
- High noise pollution can lead to various health issues such as stress, hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular problems.
- Is there a difference in noise levels during the day and night?
- Yes, noise levels tend to be higher during the day due to increased activity, but some areas experience high noise levels at night as well, particularly near busy streets and commercial zones.
- What measures can be taken to reduce noise pollution in silent zones?
- Measures include enforcing stricter regulations, increasing green buffers, improving urban planning, and promoting the use of noise barriers.
- How does vehicular traffic contribute to noise pollution?
- Increased vehicular traffic leads to higher noise levels due to engine sounds, honking, and tire noise, especially in densely populated areas.
- Are there any laws in place to control noise pollution in Hyderabad?
- Yes, there are laws and regulations enforced by TGSPCB to control and reduce noise pollution, including fines for violations.
- Can residents report noise pollution?
- Yes, residents can report excessive noise to local authorities or TGSPCB for action.
- What are the long-term solutions to noise pollution in cities?
- Long-term solutions include urban planning that prioritizes green spaces, strict enforcement of noise regulations, and public awareness campaigns.
- How does noise pollution affect wildlife in urban areas?
- Noise pollution can disrupt communication, breeding, and feeding patterns of urban wildlife, leading to a decline in biodiversity.
- What is the current trend of noise pollution levels in Hyderabad?
- The trend shows increasing noise levels in silent and commercial zones, indicating a need for more effective control measures.
- How do noise levels in Hyderabad compare to other cities in India?
- Noise levels in Hyderabad are comparable to other major cities in India, where urbanization and traffic contribute significantly to noise pollution.
- What can individuals do to help reduce noise pollution?
- Individuals can help by reducing the use of horns, maintaining their vehicles, participating in public awareness campaigns, and supporting local noise control initiatives.
