News of a Itanagar-based Bullet Club voluntarily surrendering aftermarket silencers is indeed a welcome step, one that can be emulated by many. As in any urban city, capital dwellers here have adjusted to the “sounds” of the city as a way of life but several sources of noise pollution are self created causing much distress. The Covid-19 prompted lockdowns and measures briefly showed us the beauty of living in a noise pollution free environment.

Two-wheeler modification enthusiasts in the twin capital mostly motorbikes with their illegal modification and silencers have been a source of noise pollution. While honking is considered to be the most common source of noise pollution, the high decibels emanating from modified silencers is too much to bear anytime of the day but especially at night.

Sound levels above 65 decibels is injurious to health while sound levels above 75 decibels could cause serious health problems such as hypertension, anxiety and cardiovascular diseases. High decibels also leads to lack of concentration, inefficiency and must be strictly avoided around silence zones such as hospitals and educational institutions. That is what health experts and the law says.

The capital district administration must check noise pollution and not take it lightly. Notices must be issued to automobile shops and mechanics to stop selling such modified silencers and not to fix tampered silencers on vehicles. Cases must be filed against those who violate the notice. DA must also not overlook noise pollution through use of loudspeakers beyond the permissible time limit. The use of loudspeakers during religious/ festive occasions often late into the night has become a nuisance that the common man is forced to endure. While celebrations are integral part of society, it must not be at the cost of others comfort. Everyone is entitled to their freedom but when celebrations or religiousness are forced upon citizens through loudspeakers there is little to feel happy about. In 2005, the Supreme Court banned the use of loudspeakers after 10pm. But nothing changed on the ground.

In September 2017, Mizoram’s capital city, Aizawl became the first city in India to adopt a ‘no-honking’ policy to curb noise pollution without legislation. The least Arunachal can do is crack the whip on noisy vehicles.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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