The latest Environment Status Report (ESR) for 2023-24 by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) suggests a notable decline in noise pollution levels within the city’s civic limits. According to the report, noise levels in all major zones—silent, commercial, and residential—have significantly decreased compared to previous years. However, this optimistic outlook has been met with scepticism from medical professionals who point to a troubling increase in patients experiencing hearing issues.
The ESR contrasts starkly with findings from the 2011-12 report, which highlighted noise levels surpassing the permissible limits set by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) across all zones. The latest report, however, indicates that noise levels, especially in silent and residential areas, have aligned with environmental norms over the past twelve years.
Despite these official assertions, ENT specialists in Pune express reservations about the PMC’s claims. Doctors specialising in ear, nose, and throat disorders argue that the city’s ongoing Metro construction and other infrastructural developments are major contributors to heightened noise pollution. They report a substantial uptick in the number of patients, both adults and children, seeking treatment for hearing-related ailments. According to an official from the ENT department at Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, there has been a marked increase in the incidence of hearing issues over the past decade. “Our data indicate a 20% rise in patients requiring hearing aids, with a notable 10% increase in adults aged 50 and above and a 5% uptick in younger patients, including children,” the official noted. This trend underscores a growing public health concern, seemingly at odds with the PMC’s reported findings.
The PMC’s study was conducted in high-traffic areas, such as markets, bus stations, and educational institutions. However, the methodology and data collection processes have not been fully disclosed, raising questions about the accuracy and reliability of the reported noise levels. The disparity between the PMC’s optimistic report and the medical community’s observations has sparked a debate on the actual state of noise pollution in the city. Critics argue that the PMC’s report may not fully account for the cumulative and long-term effects of noise pollution, which can manifest as chronic hearing issues over time. The rise in the use of hearing aids and the increasing number of younger patients experiencing hearing difficulties suggest that noise pollution may still be a significant concern, despite official claims of improvement.
The situation calls for a more comprehensive and transparent assessment of noise pollution in Pune, with greater collaboration between civic authorities and healthcare professionals. The PMC’s report, while potentially indicative of some improvements, appears to overlook critical health indicators that suggest a more complex reality. while the PMC’s report may reflect progress in certain areas, the increase in hearing-related health issues presents a contrasting narrative. This divergence highlights the need for a nuanced approach to understanding and addressing noise pollution in Pune. Ensuring accurate data collection and considering the lived experiences of residents and healthcare providers will be crucial in developing effective strategies for noise management and public health.
