Delhi’s Karol Bagh district has emerged as the epicentre of noise pollution in the capital city, leading a list of 15 identified hotspots grappling with high average decibel levels. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has pinpointed areas such as Ashok Vihar, Pooth Khurd Bawana, Rohini, and Mandir Marg among others, where noise pollution levels consistently exceed permissible standards.
According to data sourced from the Economic Survey 2023-24, Karol Bagh recorded an alarming average decibel level of 74.2 dB(A) during daytime, marking its fourth consecutive year as Delhi’s noisiest location since monitoring began in 2020. This revelation underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate noise pollution across the city. DPCC, in collaboration with traffic and transport authorities, is devising a comprehensive action plan to address this pressing issue. The initiative includes deploying a department-specific standard operating procedure aimed at regulating noise levels and enforcing existing regulations more effectively. Delhi has been categorized into zones—silent, residential, commercial, and industrial—with varying permissible noise thresholds for day and night hours. These standards are crucial for maintaining quality of life and ensuring public health amidst rapid urbanization. Officials are proposing stringent measures such as curbing the illegal sale of modified silencers and pressure horns in markets. Empowering local enforcement agencies, including SHOs and tehsildars, to take immediate action against noise violators is also under consideration.
Moreover, initiatives like “no honking” campaigns and enhanced penalties are planned to discourage reckless honking and promote responsible driving habits among motorists. This multifaceted approach aims not only to curb noise pollution from commercial establishments and vehicular traffic but also to foster a culture of noise-sensitive behavior among Delhi’s residents. Despite existing regulatory frameworks, officials acknowledge challenges in enforcement and compliance. The proliferation of pubs and nightlife venues in commercial areas has exacerbated noise pollution, necessitating stricter monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
