Investigation & Examination of Noise Pollution - Definition, Sources, Effects, Monitoring and Control

Abstract

Purpose – The study examines and investigates the problem of noise pollution in relation to its harmful effects on the human life. This study provides most appropriate definition of noise, identifies various sources of noise, investigates awareness level of public for noise, examines harmful effects of excessive noise and provides valuable suggestions for controlling the noise level. Methodology - This study is based on primary data collected from population of Delhi through a structured online questionnaire with sample of 350 respondents. The analysis has been carried out based on “cross-classifications’ in terms of ‘age’ as well as ‘gender’. Findings – This study revealed that male community is more aware about the noise pollution compared to female community. Most of the community is ignorant of what constitutes noise pollution as well as its adverse socio-economic & health impacts. Further the control of noise pollution has been hampered by insufficient knowledge of its harmful effects on human. The sound from traffic and loudspeakers is turned out major sources of outdoor noise pollutants. Primarily “traffic volume” expanded by road, rail and air traffic as a noise has gained wider recognition in terms of increasingly serious risk to human health. In case of indoor pollutants, television and different home appliances are reported as major noise sources. Even youngsters are also victim of noise at large scale. Noise extensively results in annoyance, disturb sleep, harmful effect on hearing, reduce working efficiency and interfere with communication. Public awareness programmes, education and technological solutions appeared to be the best methods to achieve the goal of noise reduction. Government can also play a significant role in putting efforts towards reduction of noise level by establishing & enforcing noise guidelines, standards and strict regulatory framework. Research Limitations and Practical implications – This study is limited to population of Delhi metro city in India. The findings in this study have several policy implications. Government should develop management strategies and action plans for noise control. The empirical evidences gathered through this study can be employed for developing appropriate legal and public action programs and awareness programs to disseminate knowledge about harmful effects of noise on human health and routine life.