Standard for noise pollution

PIB Press Release

The Government has chalked out standard for noise pollution The ambient noise standards have been notified for different categories like, industrial, commercial and residential areas and silence zones.

It is 55 dB (A) Leq during ‘day time’ and 45 dB (A) Leq during ‘night time’ for residential areas. ‘Day time’ and ‘night time’ mean 6.00 am to 10.00 pm and 10.00 pm to 6.00 am, respectively. dB (A) Leq denotes the time weighted average of the level of sound in decibels on scale A which is relatable to human hearing.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/ Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) have been carrying out sporadic noise monitoring in urban areas, mainly during festivals such as Deepawali. A few SPCBs and PCCs have initiated regular noise monitoring since 2008-2009. As per available data, the prescribed noise norms for various areas are exceeded at many locations. However, a definite trend can not be ascertained since limited data is available. The CPCB has undertaken the task to establish a National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri N Balaganga in Rajya Sabha today.