Calls made to prevent noise pollution for next generation’s betterment
The majority of Dhaka’s dwellers will soon develop some kind of deafness if this situation continues, the organisation warns
Works for Better World has called for preventing noise pollution so that the next generation has a chance to grow up in a safe Dhaka city.
The organisation raised the demand at a human chain in front of the National Press Club in the capital on Friday morning.
Its President Sohel Atol said noise pollution had affected all of Dhaka city, and noise levels are much higher than acceptable levels in almost all areas.
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"If the situation continues, the majority of Dhaka's dwellers will soon develop some kind of deafness. The people of Dhaka will not be able to avoid serious health risks if no action is taken now to prevent noise pollution," he added.
Quoting the World Health Organisation, Works for Better World said noise levels in residential areas should be 55 decibels during daytime and 45 decibels at night, 65 decibels during daytime and 55 decibels at night in commercial areas, and 75 decibels during daytime and 65 decibels at night in industrial areas.
Moreover, in silence zones, such as near hospitals, noise levels should be 50 decibels during daytime and 40 decibels at night.
Mahmudunnabi Chanchal, general secretary of Works for Better World, said noise about 1.5 times the standard level is generated in almost all parts of Dhaka on average.
"We want people to be aware of this so that the next generation has the opportunity to grow up in a safe city," he added.
According to a survey, the maximum noise level is: 93.5 decibels on Shahjalal Avenue in Uttara, 96 decibels in Mirpur 1, 91.5 decibels in Pallabi, 107.1 decibels in front of Dhanmondi Government Boys' High School, 95.5 decibels on Dhanmondi 5 Road, 104.1 decibels in front of New Market, 97.3 decibels in Shahbagh, and 88 decibels in front of the Secretariat.
Works for Better World said many people do not consider it a crime to play loud music at home or at social events in community centres.
Protesting against this leads to harassment, it said, adding that people need to stop this mentality.
