WHILE rural people, despite many problems of life, can at least sleep peacefully at night, the urban people cannot. Noise pollution is one of the causes. Hundreds of vehicles ply day and night emitting noise and smoke both of which are primary causes of environmental pollution in the city. Residential buildings beside the roads are the worst sufferers on both occasions. Dhaka, as the centre of all national activities, is worst affected by pollution compounded by carbon emission from vehicular transports and sound pollution of hydraulic horns.
One of the ways to get rid of mounting pollution is to decentralize the country's administration. Several reports have been appearing in the media to this effect but nothing has been done over the years. Coming back to noise pollution, hydraulic horns of motor vehicles must be banned across the country. Engines making unusual noise should be put off the road. On paper there is a regulation prohibiting use of hydraulic horns, but in reality very few drivers comply. I would like to request our Prime Minister to look into the matter and instruct the authorities concerned to take effective steps to reduce noise pollution in cities.
Sumon Kumar Paul
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Patuakhali Science & Technology University
