Bengaluru is grappling with a sharp rise in noise pollution, with data from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) revealing a 30% increase in decibel levels during the day across almost all monitoring stations.
The situation worsens at night, with noise levels spiking by an alarming 50%, according to the board’s findings. This escalating issue has raised serious concerns among medical professionals, who are witnessing a growing number of health problems related to excessive noise exposure. Officials at KSPCB highlight that traffic remains the primary contributor to Bengaluru’s noise pollution, despite the city not being an industrial hub, where noise is typically more prevalent. While construction activities contribute to the overall noise, they account for a small fraction of the problem. The surge in traffic, particularly from heavy vehicles and an ever-increasing number of cars on the road, is driving the alarming rise in decibel levels. Recent data points to an unsettling trend in the city’s noise levels. In BTM Layout, for instance, the recorded decibel levels in February 2023 were 93.4 dB during the day and 72.9 dB at night. By February 2025, these figures have escalated to 95.7 dB and 91.4 dB, respectively. Similarly, at Nimhans, daytime noise levels surged from 94.6 dB in 2023 to 114.3 dB in 2025. Nighttime noise has also shown an upward trend, from 80.6 dB to 83.4 dB during the same period. Only a few areas, such as Domlur, have recorded slight reductions in noise levels, while other regions like Yeshwantpur have shown little to no change.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to these high noise levels can have serious health repercussions, particularly for hearing. Doctors have noted a sharp rise in cases of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), a condition that occurs when the inner ear is subjected to continuous loud sounds. According to a senior consultant in ENT at a leading hospital, the frequency of cases of NIHL has increased significantly, with at least two to three new cases being reported each week. The doctor further explained that the inner ear undergoes strain when exposed to sounds at around 4,000 Hz, leading to a phenomenon known as the “4K dip,” a clear marker of noise-induced damage. The harmful effects of noise are not limited to hearing loss alone. Prolonged exposure to elevated decibel levels can also contribute to a range of other health issues, including high blood pressure, stress, sleep disturbances, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Experts caution that even seemingly benign sources of noise, such as recreational listening at high volumes, can contribute to lasting damage. Noise levels from firecrackers, honking vehicles, and modified two-wheelers can cause irreversible harm to the inner ear cells, sometimes leading to permanent hearing loss.
In addition to the usual noise from traffic, residential areas have also become a source of increasing disturbance. Residents living near major roads and construction sites complain of incessant honking and constant building activity, which often continues well into the night. The noise from cloud kitchens and delivery vehicles operating 24/7 has also been flagged as a significant issue, with some residents calling for stricter regulations on commercial activities in residential zones. The growing concern about noise pollution in Bengaluru highlights a pressing need for the authorities to address this issue and implement more stringent measures to reduce noise levels. With the health and well-being of residents at risk, experts argue that it is time for the city to consider noise pollution a public health crisis. As the situation worsens, residents and medical professionals alike are calling for immediate action from the government to curb this rising problem and ensure a healthier, quieter environment for all.
Bengaluru Faces Alarming Surge in Noise Pollution
