Dhaka suffers from extreme noise pollution

Residents of Dhaka are living amid unbearable noise from early morning until late at night. The deafening noise pervades not only the main roads but also alleys, making it impossible to escape even indoors. Despite keeping doors and windows shut, Dhaka's residents struggle to find respite from the relentless noise pollution.

Excessive noise, often double the acceptable decibel limit, has left over a quarter of Dhaka's population with hearing problems. This severe noise pollution also takes a toll on traffic police and drivers.

Research by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) at Stamford University's Department of Environmental Science reveals that while Dhaka experienced an average of 12 hours of excessive noise daily until 2020, it has now exceeded 14 hours. Last month, a global report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) ranked Dhaka as the world's most noise-polluted city.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, acceptable indoor noise levels for humans are 55 decibels, and for outdoor commercial areas, 70 decibels. Yet, noise on Dhaka's streets often reaches 122 decibels or more.

Bangladesh's import policy allows the entry of horns with noise levels between 80 and 100 decibels, despite the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006 capping maximum levels at 60 decibels, with 70 decibels allowed in industrial zones. Experts argue that this discrepancy between the import policy and the 2006 noise control regulations is a key factor exacerbating the problem.

They suggest limiting horn imports to those producing 50 to 60 decibels of noise, which could significantly mitigate the issue. However, they also emphasize that legislation alone cannot solve the problem; strict enforcement and public awareness are essential.

On January 17 last year, the High Court issued a rule under Sections 7 and 8 of the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006 questioning the inaction of authorities in controlling noise pollution. The court also sought explanations on compensating traffic police and rickshaw drivers affected by noise pollution.

A 2023 study by Bangladesh University of Health Sciences found that noise levels on Dhaka's roads ranged from 84 to 99 decibels, far exceeding the permissible limit of 60 decibels. It also reported that 25.4% of Dhaka's population suffers from hearing problems due to excessive noise.

Kabir Hossain, a driver for Bihanga Paribahan, shared his experience: “I drive from Mirpur to Sadarghat every day. The relentless noise on the roads makes my ears feel numb, and I now struggle to hear properly. At home, I have to speak loudly, and I can barely hear what others say.”

Naurin Tripti, a fourth-year physics student at Dhaka University, described her ordeal: “Traveling between Mohammadpur and campus is exhausting due to the constant honking. I often feel sick in class and at home. Listening to music on headphones to escape the noise only worsens my hearing problems. I don’t know how to escape this noise pollution.”

Yasina Ferdous, ADC of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mirpur Traffic Zone, explained that traffic police typically take legal action against hydraulic horn users. However, they cannot penalize general vehicles for unnecessary honking; this is the responsibility of mobile courts, which do not operate at all city points regularly, limiting their impact.

Under the Road Transport Act 2018, fines of up to BDT 10,000 can be imposed for violations, but the process requires mobile court involvement, making enforcement challenging.

Environmental scientist Dr. Kamruzzaman Majumdar stated that Dhaka's noise pollution has reached alarming levels, ranking the city at the top globally. He noted that traffic police cannot directly address general horn usage due to legal restrictions, while mobile courts are insufficiently present to enforce the rules.

He emphasized that aligning the horn import policy with noise control regulations could halve the problem. Currently, the conflicting policies hinder effective action.

Sharif Jamil, General Secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), pointed out that unnecessary honking by drivers is a key contributor to Dhaka’s noise pollution. He added that honking has become a habit for many drivers, driven by a lack of awareness. Without public consciousness, laws or enforcement alone cannot resolve the crisis.

Environment advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan echoed these sentiments, stating that most honking on Dhaka’s roads is unnecessary, often occurring at traffic signals. She stressed that public awareness is crucial for tackling the issue.

When asked about the conflicting policies, she called for reforms in both the noise pollution and horn import regulations. She also highlighted the High Court's ban on hydraulic horns in cities, suggesting strict adherence to this ruling would significantly reduce noise pollution.

Advisor Rizwana expressed hope that the government would soon take strong measures to curb noise pollution.