Noise pollution levels maintain balance in Hyderabad

Data from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) for 2016 and 2017 have shown stability in the levels of noise pollution in the city.

Even though the levels are still considerably above the standards prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the near stagnancy being recorded in the noise pollution levels in all categories of areas monitored is the reason to rejoice.

According to the data charts for real-time noise levels recorded in decibels (dB) per area, a congested and busy commercial area such as Abids has shown a decline of 1 dB for daytime noise - 73 dB and 2 dB for night-time - 70 dB when compared to the previous year.

For a commercial area, the noise levels are 65 dB for daytime and 55 dB for the night which indicates, the levels are still above the standards prescribed.

Another commercial zone in the city, JNTU shows no sign of change in the noise levels over the year with 70 dB for daytime and 67 dB for the night.

In the residential areas of Tarnaka and Jubilee Hills, the figures recorded showed a slight increase of 1 dB for both day and night noise levels.

Coming to the sensitive area of the Nehru Zoological Park, the daytime noise level remained the same - 57 dB while the night-time noise level showed a decline of 2 dB - 52 dB.