Noise pollution turns Dhaka 'unliveable'

A recent study has found that noise pollution in Dhaka exceeded acceptable limits in nearly every area, registering 96.7 per cent of the time in designated quiet zones.

Permissible noise levels are set at 45 decibels at night and 55 during the day in residential areas, and 60 at night and 70 during the day in commercial zones. However, the study found that noise levels exceeded these limits 91.2 per cent in residential areas, 83.2 per cent in mixed-use zones, 61 percent in commercial zones, and 18.2 percent in industrial areas.

"Noise has made Dhaka unliveable. One of the factors keeping its residents in constant and invisible agony is sound pollution. No silent zones in the country have been effectively enforced," the report said.

Earlier, the Department of Environment announced 12 silent zones across Bangladesh, including five in Dhaka--such as the Secretariat, Agargaon, and the Parliament area. Yet, vehicles continued honking horns, ignoring restrictions.

The Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS)  at Stamford University measured noise levels across ten locations in Dhaka from April 2021 to March 2022 and recently shared the study report. These results highlight the widespread nature of noise pollution, with 82 per cent of monitored sites consistently registering noise levels above 60 decibels.

The report identified loudspeakers, hydraulic horns, construction works, factory noise, and generators operating from morning to night as major contributors, noting that the public remains largely unaware of the health hazards.

Despite the declaration of the area surrounding Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as a "Silent Zone," noise levels remain unchecked.

Aiming to tackle this "silent killer," the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has planned to amend the Sound Pollution Control Rules, 2006, introducing harsher punishments and stricter restrictions. 

However, on-the-ground enforcement remains disappointing.

The study concluded that noise pollution is one of several factors making Dhaka increasingly unliveable, and lack of public awareness and official apathy has turned it into a largely overlooked offense despite its serious health impacts.