Govt. involving people to control Noise pollution: Environment Minister

Publish: 7:50 PM, January 21, 2021 | Update: 7:50 PM, January 21, 2021

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said govt. has taken up integrated and participatory project to control noise pollution involving mass people. Through this project, awareness training on sound pollution will be imparted to people from different walks of socity. Public opinion against noise pollution will be created through the implementation of various awareness programs. Noise pollution will come down to a tolerable level with the concerted efforts of all. He said everything necessary would be done to control noise pollution.

The Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change said these while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural workshop of an integrated and participatory project on noise pollution control organized by the Department of Environment on Thursday (January 21st). Secretary of the Ministry Ziaul Hasan ndc, Additional Secretary (Environment) Mahmud Hasan and former Vice Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Professor Pran Gopal Dutta were present as special guests. The workshop was chaired by the Director General of the Department of Environment. A, K, M Rafique Ahammed. Additional Director General of Department of Environment & Project Director of the Project Md Humayn Kabir delivered the introductory speech.

The environment minister said BRTA is registering about 3 to 4 lakh new vehicles every year. The horns of the increasing vehicles contribute about 55 percent of the noise pollution of the city. Unnecessary horns in vehicles, sound boxes, loud noises through the mic are disrupting the normal life of the people. If we want to make our socio-economic development sustainable, now is the time to build resistance against noise pollution, among other things. The Environment Minister called upon all concerned to create a culture of implementation of existing laws / rules in noise pollution control and refraining from making excessive noise considering the harmful aspects. He said ‘Noise Pollution Free Environment, Sheikh Hasina’s Bangladesh’ should be built by building safe havens for future generations.

Speaking as the special guest, Environment Secretary Ziaul Hasan NDC said, “It will be possible to create public awareness about noise pollution through this project.” He also instructed all concerned to implement the project following all government guidelines.

Former Vice Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Professor Pran Gopal Dutta in his speech said that noise pollution must be stopped to protect the people from mass deafness. To this end, he appealed to the government to include the harmful effects of noise pollution in the curriculum of fifth, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth classes.

Additional Director General of Department of Environment & Project Director of the Project Md Humayun Kabir said that under the integrated and participatory project on noise pollution control, a total of 95,200 people including transport workers/drivers, students, government employees, factory construction workers, journalists, teachers, imams, professionals and members of voluntary organizations will be imparted sound awareness training. There will also be a series of programs on television channels and radio, various electronic and print media, mobile phones and social media to broadcast TVC, text messages and notifications. 128 billboards and 60 signboards, 7 lakh leaflets, 7 lakh stickers, 1000 folders and 1000 training manuals will be printed and distributed to create awareness.

The Project Director also said, a total of 2000 mobile courts / joint operations will be conducted across the country. Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006 will be amended and timely rules will be formulated. Noise levels will be surveyed in 64 districts and databases will be set up. A total of 9 meetings will be organized in the divisional cities of Dhaka, Chittagong and Rajshahi on the health risks of noise pollution and on the rules and observance of days. Around-the-clock online monitoring of noise levels and roadside displays will be set up in an area under experimental activities. Conducting 9 campaigns in designated areas for pilot activities to control noise pollution involving community based organizations; Collection and distribution of 512 airmafs and 4000 airplugs and 3 years International Noise Awareness Day will be celebrated.