Urban Noise Pollution in India

Urban noise pollution has emerged as a significant public health issue in India, with decibel levels frequently exceeding permissible limits, particularly around schools, hospitals, and residential areas. This situation undermines the constitutional rights to peace and dignity.

Current Monitoring and Challenges

• National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN):
  • Launched by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2011 for real-time data collection.
  • Functions more as a passive data repository rather than a reform tool.
  • Issues include flawed sensor placement and lack of accountability.
• Regulatory Issues:
  • Regulatory framework is fragmented, with poor enforcement of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
  • Data and policy inertia compared to proactive European measures against noise pollution.
• Environmental and Health Impact:
  • Noise levels in cities like Delhi and Bengaluru often reach 65-70 dB(A) near sensitive areas.
  • Noise pollution affects mental well-being and infringes on Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
  • Ecological impact includes disruption of animal communication, as evidenced by a 2025 University of Auckland study.

Public and Institutional Response

• Lack of Public Outrage:
  • Sonic aggression has been normalized, leading to civic fatigue.
  • Noise, unlike visible pollutants, leaves no residue but impacts health silently.
• Need for Comprehensive Policy:
  • Calls for a national acoustic policy similar to air quality standards.
  • Emphasizes inter-agency coordination and public grievance mechanisms.

Proposed Reforms

• Decentralize NANMN for local action and real-time data use.
• Link noise monitoring to enforcement with penalties and compliance checks.
• Institutionalize awareness through sustained public campaigns and education.
• Embed acoustic resilience in urban planning, emphasizing sonic civility.

To achieve liveable smart cities, India must adopt a rights-based approach to managing urban noise, integrating design, governance, and collective responsibility.