Kangla's tranquillity faces noise pollution threat
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 09 2013 : The general public's belief that the sprawling complex of the historic Kangla is one of the most placid areas in the capital city might be a misconception as noise level test conducted by Manipur Pollution Control Board listed Kangla's periphery as the noisiest location in the State.

The fear that level of noise pollution in the State, particularly in the capital city, might have increased in the last few years due to rise in the number of noisy motor vehicles has also turned out to be true as tests carried out by the Pollution Control Board indicate an upward trend in the decibel level.

According to the Board's Assistant Engineer Yaikhom Roshan test done during the evening hours near the eastern gate of Kangla in 2012 found the noise level to be 80 decibels, far beyond the national noise standard limit of 70 decibels (Dbs) .

In the morning hours the noise level at the same spot was recorded at 79.8 Dbs, said the board official thereby hinting that there is no respite for Kangla from noise pollution throughout the day.

In another disturbing revelation Roshan said that there has been gradual increase in noise pollution in the city for the latest test carried out at Wahengbam Leikai last month put the noise level at 82.3 Dbs in the morning and 82.8 Dbs in the evening.

File Photo of Traffic Congestion

On a Sunday a similar test is said to have recorded the noise level at 81.3 Dbs and 80 Dbs in the morning and evening hours respectively.

According to specification worked out by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (Noise Standard 2000) 75 Dbs at daytime is permissible in industrial area while after dusk the limit should be 70 Dbs.

For commercial areas the limit is 65 (day) and 55 (night) Dbs with the limit for residential areas put at 55 and 45 Dbs respectively.

Informing that the Board started noise level testing after possessing CYGNET brand sound level metre in 1998, the Assistant Engineer said it used to take atleast two days of testing to determine level of noise pollution.

However, with the purchase of PULSAR brand sound level testing equipment the noise pollution level could be determined instantly, Roshan said while confiding that out of three new equipment in the Board's possession one is resistant to adverse weather conditions.

Quoting medical science experts, he maintained that increase in level of noise and air pollution poses threat to health conditions of all the citizens with an individual susceptible to get infection of the brain and respiratory organs.

Despite Government specification that atleast a radius of 100 metres should be declared as silent zones where educational institutions, hospitals or Government facilities exist there is hardly any evidence that the restriction is been implemented, highlighted the official with reference to blowing of horns on roads running close to such institutions like the Raj Bhavan or schools located in the city areas.

Roshan also disclosed that the Board would be hosting a meeting on March 11 where heads of various departments would be present.

At the said meeting the Board will propose for either expeditious black-topping of roads or sprinkle water to control the dust, install pollution control equipment at hot-mix plant sites, suggest traffic police to ascertain whether vehicles possess pollution control certificates, regular health checking of citizens to determine pollution-related diseases, complete pending sewerage projects, effectively prohibit dumping of wastes in the rivers as well as other related issues, said the Assistant Engineer.