Reducing Dhaka's noise pollution

At least five per cent of every country's population suffer from some form of hearing impairment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Bangladesh, it is even more severe. A recent study has, unsurprisingly, found noise pollution in 70 neighbourhoods of Dhaka city to be higher than the permissible level. Many studies prior to this had reportedly revealed similar results and a number of organisations, including the WHO, have been warning about the grave consequences that exposure to such high levels of sound pollution may have on human health. Unfortunately, these warnings appear to have been falling on deaf ears, as the authorities concerned have so far completely failed to reduce the capital's noise level.

According to an earlier report by the WHO, exposure to sound above 60 dB can cause temporary deafness and prolonged exposure to sound above 100 dB can lead to hearing impairment. Moreover, those who are usually worst affected by noise pollution are children, the elderly and expecting mothers. Exposure to noise can even affect the condition of a foetus and lead to premature delivery. It is essential to bring down sound pollution in the capital city. So we call on the authorities to proactively work towards the goal of making Dhaka quieter.

Abu Elias Linkon,

Banasree, Dhaka,

lightening_sparkle@yahoo.com