Hyderabad: With an increasing number of vehicles and relentless construction noise taking a toll on Hyderabad’s auditory health, experts are proposing several strategies to mitigate this often-overlooked form of pollution.
A recent study conducted by the International Institute of Information Technology-Hyderabad (IIIT-H) in collaboration with TOI mapped out noise hotspots across the city, revealing that noise pollution has spiralled out of control.
Acoustic cameras
“In 2020, traffic authorities experimented with various measures to combat noise pollution, including the installation of acoustic cameras at traffic signals,” said Lokendra Singh, popularly known as ‘Hyderabad Traffic Man’. A volunteer with the Hyderabad City Security Council, Singh has been actively involved in designing traffic education initiatives.
“These cameras were able to detect noise levels from individual vehicles, and if they exceed permissible limits, automatic challans were issued,” he said adding that although effective, it did not go ahead after Covid 19.
Singh believes that public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in reducing noise pollution. Initiatives such as signboards and live demonstrations, including children covering their ears at traffic signals to highlight the impact of honking, have been used to sensitise people. “Around 70% of road noise is due to honking, most of which is unnecessary. Educating the public about this issue could solve at least 50% of the problem,” he added.
As per the Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations Act, the unnecessary use of horns is prohibited. The act stipulates that horns should be used only when a driver perceives imminent danger to themselves or other road users.
Noise measurement meters
Professor Raghu Ram, an auditory neurologist who has studied noise pollution in the US, Europe, and now in India at Ahmedabad University, shared while comparing noise levels at intersections in the US, Europe, and India, he found that in India, noise levels were 8 to 10 times higher.
“It was also discovered that the way Indian youngsters process sound is significantly weaker compared to their Western counterparts. There is a direct correlation between hearing loss, hypertension, and other irreversible health effects caused by prolonged exposure to high noise levels,” Ram stated.
To address this issue, he recommended the installation of noise measurement meters at major intersections and stricter regulations on vehicle horn noise. “Authorities should also mandate that automobile manufacturers limit horn noise to a range of 55 to 65 decibels. However, imposing fines alone will not solve the issue,” he said. Ram also dismissed strategies such as increasing red signal wait times for frequent honkers, arguing that such measures could lead to chaos and disrupt emergency services. “The long-term solution lies in education, starting from a young age,” he added.
More green spaces
Rahul Goel, a professor at IIT Delhi currently studying different forms of pollution in India, pointed out a glaring gap in noise pollution research. “Unlike air and water pollution, noise pollution remains largely understudied. It is critical that authorities and research institutions focus on this area to develop effective mitigation strategies,” Goel emphasized.
One of the most effective solutions, he suggested, is increasing green spaces across Hyderabad. “Trees and vegetation act as natural noise barriers by absorbing sound. Their rigid structure reduces noise exposure for people on the streets,” he said.
Addressing noise pollution from construction activities, experts recommended measures such as restricting construction hours and installing noise-dampening curtains around construction sites. They also proposed the use of soundproof materials in buildings to ensure that residents living near construction zones experience minimal disturbance.
Public transport specialists highlighted the link between inadequate public transportation and rising noise levels. “Hyderabad has only 2,500 state transport buses, while its metro system accommodates around four lakh commuters daily. This deficiency has led to an increase in private vehicle ownership, exacerbating both traffic congestion and noise pollution,” said a transport expert. Strengthening the city’s public transport system, he argued, could significantly reduce vehicular noise and improve overall urban living conditions.