Experts rubbish PMC's claim of noise levels within limits
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Pune: The civic body's recent Environment Status Report (ESR) has stated that noise levels under its jurisdiction have remained below permitted levels, contrary to claims of several studies and experts.
As per the report, noise levels in industrial, commercial, residential, and silence zones were less than the norms prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The limits for various zones range from 50-75 dB(A) for daytime, and 40-70 dB(A) at night. The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, state that areas within 100m of hospitals, educational institutions, and courts are designated as silence zones.
For its findings, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) carried out studies near busy markets, bus stations, hospitals, and educational institutions. Samples were taken from Navi Peth, Ramoshi Gate, Pulachiwadi, Katraj Lake, Phadke Haud Chowk, Erandwane, Rajaram Bridge, Ramwadi Octroi Naka and more for residential areas; commercial zones surveyed include Nal Stop, RTO, Swargate, Mandai, Bremane Chowk, KK Market, Ambedkar Chowk, and Wadgaon Budruk.
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But experts pointed out that PMC also needs to provide details on its research methodology and analysis. Environmentalist Ravindra Sinha told TOI, "The civic body lacks a proper monitoring system for noise pollution. There should be consistent scientific tracking and assessment of sound levels at different times and locations. PMC is not equipped for this. So, any figures pertaining to noise pollution declared by PMC need be taken with a pinch of salt.
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Mahesh Shindikar, head of the applied science department at CoEP Technological University, echoed, "It is tough to believe that PMC areas don't surpass prescribed noise limits. The civic administration should provide data and other facts based on which this conclusion was reached."
To this, civic officials refuted that other measures — like directives of various authorities — have also played an important role in bringing down noise levels.
An official of PMC's environment department told TOI, "Supreme Court banned fireworks that produce noise above 125 decibels. Bombay high court has also issued an order prohibiting use of loudspeakers at night. Prior police permission is required to use loudspeakers for any festival or public event. All this is creating awareness and helping curb noise levels."
PMC officials also said directives have been given to install barriers and acoustic barriers near construction areas; tree plantation along roads can help reduce noise levels, too.
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