Environmental peace is threatened by the urban and industrial noises. Also, noise pollution is the cause of many psycho and psychosomatic diseases, including depression and deafness. This situation is more alarming in India where due to lack of awareness among people and poor implementation of related laws, noise pollution is increasing leaps and bounds. In this context, a social activist Chetan Upadhyaya, founder of Satya Foundation in Varanasi is doing commendable work by making aware people about noise pollution and holding those responsible for noise pollution. Here’s a report by Amit, exclusively for Different Truths.
Serenity. Tranquillity. Peace. These phenomena got to be elusive in the contemporary world due to increasing noise pollution and population. Environmental peace is threatened by the urban and industrial noises. Also, noise pollution is the cause of many psycho and psychosomatic diseases, including depression and deafness.
This situation is more alarming in India where due to lack of awareness among people and poor implementation of related laws, noise pollution is increasing leaps and bounds. In this context, a social activist Chetan Upadhyaya, founder of Satya Foundation in Varanasi is doing commendable work by making aware people about noise pollution and holding those responsible for noise pollution. Upadhyaya, not only been drawing the attention of authorities in this connection but also conducting workshop and awareness campaigns on the negative effect of rising sound pollution and its effects on human health.
He is concerned over the indiscriminate use of the canopy-less power generators. Under the present laws, no generator of 5KVA or more can be run without an official permission and that too only when one installs a standard soundproof canopy and a chimney. He suggests that there is a need for a telephone helpline for registering complaints.
It would be interesting to note, that noise pollution control and regulation act 2000 authorises police to confiscate louder speakers playing more than 75 decibels. A DJ party can only be allowed in a sound proof room. Use of pressure horn is not allowed in residential area, hospital and school area. Using horn in these areas attract legal penalty. In addition, use of power looms and manufacturing units in the residential areas are restricted.
In addition, Upadhyaya’s concern is, increasing use of pressure horn particularly by the government official. In many cases, official use the pressure horn as the symbol of power and authority to differentiate them from their poor countrymen.
He has been protesting against the use of a loudspeaker and use of loud music in late night parties. In this connection, he has filed F.I.R against people using loud speakers after 10 pm in marriage and DJ parties in Varanasi. Needless to say, Upadhaya’s work is commendable and in the interest of the society, environment and future generations shall be replicated by others before it is too late.
©Amit Singh
Photos from the internet and sourced by the author.
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Amit Singh is a human security and social justice expert. He is a doctoral candidate at University of Coimbra, Portugal; hold master degrees in history, human rights, and multiculturalism. He is a columnist for several newspapers in Norway and India.
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