The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Quiet is healthy

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Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Quiet is healthy

This refers to the editorial “Quiet is healthy” (Sept. 15). Only of late, some serious attention is being paid in the official and NGO circles to water and air pollution. Noise pollution is still low on their agenda. There are umpteen instances of erratic noise being made in public places, about which the authorities are silent and to which even the people seem unmindful. Some of the common forms of noise pollution are honking of horns, and loud music in public transport systems. The latest addition to the sources of pollution is the cell phone.

G. Shanmuganathan,

Chennai

All research and statements on the damaging effects of noise pollution fall on deaf ears, as did the 2005 Supreme Court directives on the issue. The ruling was hailed but the authorities hardly enforce the directives. When we complain of violation, the police warn those responsible for making noise after which the offending loudspeaker is switched off. It resumes after a while. If we persist, the police response ranges from “they will stop before 10 p.m.” to “they have obtained permission.” Over a period, we resign to the aural aggression.

C.S. Ramalingam,

Chennai

That the government is not paying attention to the menace is well known. But even the people do not seem to be worried. We can make a beginning by following the old lifestyle. We can stop using vehicles to cover a small distance; refrain from the use of loud horns; and stop bursting crackers and playing loud music during marriages and festivals. Among us are children and animals who cannot even express their trauma.

Shadab Husain,

Lucknow

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