Noise pollution could lead to Hypertension, Disorders
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 06 2011: Noise pollution level in Imphal city has reached a 78 decibel mark with the increasing numbers of vehicles.

Constant honking and use of gas horns have aggravated the problem.

The matter came to light when officials of Manipur Pollution Control Board checked the noise pollution level by installing sound level meters at different places in Imphal which is the main commercial centre of the state.

The check revealed that the noise pollution level in the city was 78.3 dB.

The monitoring of pollution level in the city was conducted under the supervision of Assistant Engineer Roshan of Manipur Pollution Control Board.

According to AE Roshan, the maximum noise level in in a commercial area should not exceed 65 dB in the daytime and 55 dB during the night.

Passenger vehicles like Autorikshaw, Tata Magic and Buses are allowed to park inside the city which is one of the major cause of the increasing noise pollution level in the city.

Emission test being carried out by Manipur Pollution Control Board in the bazar areas

If the government fails to reduce the pollution level soon, people residing in and around the city will become prey to various mental disorders, hypertension, restlessness, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Roshan said.

The team also conducted auto emission tests in the city today to check the level of exhaust smoke emitted by the vehicles in the city by using Ozone Exhaust Gas Analyser and Vehicle Testing Machines under the direct supervision of AE (Chemical) Premkanta.

Premkanta said that two and three wheeler vehicles built before March 31, 2000 should not exceed 4.5 percent of carbon monoxide emission and 9000 ppm of Hydrocarbon emission.

And for vehicles built after March 2000, the maximum level of emission is 3.5 percent for carbon monoxide and 6000 ppm for hydro carbon.

The maximum levels for four wheeler vehicles are 3 percent and 1500 ppm, he said.

He also said that the maximum emission level for diesel fueled vehicles is 2.45 percent light absorption rate and 65 percent of Hartridge Smoke Unit (HSU).

Even though 90 percent of the commercial vehicles currently use in the state have Auto Emission Certificate, 90 percent of private vehicles do not have the certificate in the state, he said.