Among the various hazards that the dwellers of our beloved capital encounter in their day to day life, noise pollution is one of the most prominent ones. Not very long ago, a study conducted by the Department of Environment (DoE) found that the sound level in many places in the city was as high as 120–130 decibels (dB) which is almost double the permissible limit. The findings are truly alarming because the World Health Organisation states that 60dB sound can make a person deaf temporarily and 100 dB can cause complete deafness.
The study also said that one in every ten dwellers of Dhaka city were suffering from hearing impairment and 35 per cent were suffering from various degrees of hearing problems. Looking at the size of the city’s population, it can be easily perceived how big a problem noise pollution is in Dhaka and also that, if not controlled, the problem might take a big toll in the long run. However, the authorities concerned seem to have turned a blind eye to this issue of serious public interest. This is unfortunate.
It does not require any study to realise that use of pneumatic horns in vehicles, which create sound of a level as high as more than 100 decibels, is a major reason behind sound pollution in Dhaka city and that by stopping their use we can alleviate the escalating problem to a great extent. In a bid to put a hold of some sort on the aggravating problem of sound pollution in the capital city, the High Court imposed a ban on the use of pneumatic horns in vehicles in Dhaka city. It was our expectation that the HC intervention into the matter would improve the situation. But unfortunate as it is, we still observe to our deepest consternation that the harmful gadget is being extensively used on the city streets even today. This is a glaring example of the vehicle owners and drivers’ disobedience to the HC order. At the same time, it also brings to the fore the inability or a lack of sincere effort of the relevant government authorities to execute the court directives. Nonetheless, because the issue is directly linked to the public health we cannot afford to remain apathetic toward this for long. There is a serious need for raising awareness among all the people, especially the owners and drivers of vehicles, of the damaging impacts of pneumatic horns. The media can play a crucial role in this respect. Besides, the government will have to formulate a strict law against production, import, marketing and use of hydraulic horns and ensure proper implementation of the law. We must remember that our enduring indifference to the critical issue may bring in a perilous future for all of us.
