Noise pollution

Under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (amended in 1987), noise is legally classified as a form of air pollutant. Noise is simply an undesired, unpleasantly high level of sound, and it can bring about real psychological and physiological changes in people, so there is a genuine need for greater public awareness of the noise generated during festivals and processions. Exposure to extremely high sound levels -- around 150 decibels or more, such as during the take-off of a jet plane or rocket -- can permanently damage the eardrum and cause lasting hearing loss. Even at lower levels, chronic noise can cause sleeplessness, an increased heart rate, altered breathing patterns and psychological stress, and it can interfere with a child's learning and behaviour. Common sources of noise pollution include machinery, transportation, construction sites, industries, public functions and family or religious celebrations. …