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| Sunday, 27 April 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Noise pollution to be kept under control by Shanika Sriyananda Liyanage Boom, blast, blare, din ... the cacophony of uncontrolled sounds that inundate most parts of Sri Lanka from dawn to dusk and beyond, will soon be brought under control with the introduction of noise standards under the National Action Plan for Noise Pollution Control (NAPNC). The regulations were first introduced in 1996, under the National Environmental Act, No. 47 of 1986. Since they are not stringent enough to deal with present day sources of noise pollution, that exceed the existing noise levels, the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry, following directives of Minister Rukman Senanayake, is now in the process of revising the regulations to tackle the problem. Following several complaints about noise pollution, the Ministry took the decision to revise the regulations to meet the standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Under new regulations, noise standards from vehicles (horn, engine, tyre) highway, industrial, occupational, outdoor living area, night clubs and hotels, cultural ceremonies, selling lotteries, airline, railway, boats, construction sites, dog barking and even residential (quarrels between family members, high volumes from radios and televisions) will be introduced. Dr. B. M. S. Batagoda, Director, Environmental, Economic and Global Affairs of the Ministry said that the present noise rate in the country exceeds the WHO level (55 dB (A)) and noise pollution was silently becoming a serious health problem. "Noise from musical shows is one of a major sources of noise pollution today, but it is not controlled under present regulations", he added. According to health experts exposing to high noise levels will cause serious health problems. As a result, people will require greater tolerant limits. This directly effects on both children and adults. A technical committee, comprising 12 experts representing the Ministry, Industrial Technology Institute, Ministry of Transport, Central Environmental Authority and University of Moratuwa, has been appointed by the Minister to study the issue and to recommend new legislation. The Committee will also consider the noise pollution due to vibration. Since, noise standards for vibration is not included in the National Environmental Act, No. 47 of 1986, it will be given priority in the NAPNC. According to Dr. Batagoda, lack of powers of the Urban Councils (UCs) to take legal action is also a set back in controlling noise pollution in the city and under NAPNC UCs will be given more power to deal with those who cause noise to their neighbours. |
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