The government of India has invested significantly in building a National Highway network to improve connectivity between cities and villages and develop economic corridors. There is no doubt the Indian infrastructure story is that of transformation but we conveniently forget that the network of highways significantly contributes to noise pollution due to the high volume of traffic they carry. Here are some facts and figures that tell you about the level of noise in surrounding areas especially where highways are present in the region.

Highway Noise Pollution   – A Silent Killer

A survey conducted by Earth5r mentions that highway noise pollution in India is alarming and the noise levels in most cities are 50% higher than permissible levels of 50dB.  Multiple studies focusing on pollution in India mention that noise levels often reach between 70 to 120 decibels on roads with heavy traffic. As per the World Health Organization, traffic noise should be limited to 50 decibels and anything above this average limit has adverse long-term health effects including mental health consequences. 

Ill-Effects of Highway Noise Pollution

Medical experts mention high levels of traffic noise can cause deafness in children and the elderly. It can also lead to respiratory agitation, heart attack, racing pulse, and high blood pressure to name a few.  The ill effects of highway noise pollution are not limited to your body alone. It might also affect you psychologically and cause depression, anxiety, hysteria, aggression, and discomfort.  WHO recommends noise levels of up to 30 decibels in bedroom and living room for good sleep quality and anything higher than permissible levels can cause insomnia. Consistent exposure to high decibels in the form of traffic noise can impair focus and performance in humans, especially children. It might also cause memory loss which can make studying difficult. Health experts mention our ears need 16 hours to recover from 2 hours of noise pollution exceeding 100 decibels.

Noise Pollution Laws and Regulations

The Noise Pollution Laws and Regulations in India do not address noise pollution caused by traffic, planes, or railways. Though the Supreme  Court Judgments mention it is a fundamental right of an Indian citizen to live free of noise pollution as mentioned in Article  2 of the constitution, the Indian laws have failed to protect the citizens from highway noise pollution. It is a very complicated matter with no legal solution in sight given the current scenario.

Technological Solutions to Highway Noise

There is an adage that says “Where there is a will there is a way”. A lot of people living in buildings near railway lines, and roadways have adapted to the high pitch traffic noise and learned to live with it.  The main reason for adapting to the “silent killer” is their ignorance or unknowing about the technological solutions to curb noise pollution and keep their mind and bodies safe from the effects of highway noise pollution.  Here are some technological solutions that are worth considering to protect them and their loved ones.

Noise Barriers

Residents who live in buildings near highways, airports, ports,  and railway lines can get noise barriers installed around their buildings.  You can get noise barriers made from metal, wood,  plexiglass, and polycarbonate as per your requirements and budget. These noise barriers have anti-vibration units that also reduce the flow of induced noise in your building compounds and homes.  If you don’t want walls metal or wooden walls surrounding your building, you can consider earth beams which are aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly option.  These noise barriers and earth beams deflect sound waves upward and away from the area you want to protect thereby reducing the noise level reaching the listener.

These noise barriers are available in modular forms and can be fitted to protect areas of any size, large or small. One good thing about these noise barriers they require minimal upkeep after being established and can protect the designated area from noise pollution emanating from highways and railway lines.  If needed you can also get permanent or portable designs of noise barriers. 

Mono and Bi-absorbent  walls(noise barriers)

Highway noise barriers are purpose-designed to reduce noise pollution.  The mono and bi-absorbent walls have different design, structure, and effectiveness.   As the name suggests, the mono-absorbent wall is made of one layer while the bi-absorbent wall has a more complex design. The bi-absorbent wall has a sound-absorbing layer sandwiched between two panels where both layers are separated to induce a bi-absorbent effect. If you live in an area near national highways, railway lines, or roads with high traffic, the bi-absorbent noise barrier is the best option.

Wrapping Up:

Though your body may adapt to living amidst highway noise pollution, you cannot ignore the possible long-term ill-effects on your heath, especially children. Persistent noise exposure can cause cognitive impairment in children and annoyance that will have a detrimental effect on their growth. Hence, you should consider technological solutions like  highway noise barriers and earth beam to keep the silent killer like noise pollution  at bay.