International Noise Awareness DayReducing Noise Pollution for a Better Bangalore

28 April, 2010T.V. Jagadisan, Sunita de Sousa

Mission Peace - STOP the NOISE

Noise Pollution in Bangalore

All-India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH)

For most people:

• A life time’s continuous exposure to 70dB: No hearing impairment

• More than 8 hrs/day in excess of 85dB: Potentially hazardous (likely to induce permanent hearing loss after several years)

• 8 hrs/day ~ 90dB: Hearing temporarily impaired

• Levels above 90dB: Frequent exposure is potentially hazardous

Why Noise is Dangerous

Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels can lead to:

• Impairment of hearing

• Nervous and sleep disorders

• Work disruption

• Increases blood pressure

• Negative cardiovascular effects

• Increases breathing rate

• Indigestion & stomach ulcers

• Premature birth

Other Health Effects

• Autos & bikes with non-functional silencers

• Incessant & inconsiderate honking

• Drag racing bikes

• Boom cars

• Ill-maintained buses, lorries

• Loudspeakers

• Reversing signals

Main Noise Pollutants

• Auto drivers

• Traffic policemen

• Sick, aged, mentally ill

High-risk Groups

Suggested Solutions

• Awareness amongst auto drivers

– Demystify concept of “Tampered Silencer = Increased Mileage”

– Ensure fuel is not adulterated

• Appeal to Bajaj Auto

– Make the solution affordable

– Demonstrate reduction of sound levels on 10 autos with new silencers

Suggested Solutions

• Appeal to Govt

– Make noise check mandatory

– To be part of PUC certificate

• Appeal to RTO & police to enforce the rule

• Appeal to BMTC to reduce noise level of buses

First Steps

• Launch of “NO HONKING” Day

• Monthly affair – To be observed on the 10th of every month

• Long-term goal: To reduce the need to honk by inculcating better road sense

• Final aim: To restore Bangalore to its quiet and calm past

Mission Peace Initiatives

Mission Peace Initiatives

Thank You

Mission Peace Bangalore

www.missionpeaceblr.com