The Department of Environment (DoE) in Barishal has declared three areas of Barishal City as ‘Silent Zones’, aiming to raise awareness about sound pollution.

The areas are Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Sadar Hospital and Shaheed Advocate Abdur Rab Serniabat Law College premises.

On Thursday, the DoE launched a campaign in the three areas under a coordinated and participatory project to control sound pollution.

According to the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2006, no horn should be allowed in a ‘silent zone’.

People can suffer from noise-induced hearing loss, and an exposure to loud noise can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances and stress.

Rafiqul Alam, coordinator of Bangladesh Paribesh Bachao Andolon (BAPA), who took part in thecampaign, said, “They’ve taken steps to make people aware of the impacts of noise pollution in the first phase, and strict action will be taken against those involved in violating the law in the second phase.”  

Those who will violate the law for the first time will be fined with Tk 5,000 and they will face six months’ jail and Tk 10,000 fine as penalty for its violation for the second time, said Tota Mia, assistant director of Barishal DoE.

Noise pollution, considered to be any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health andwell-being, has become an increasingly big issue in big cities.

People are often becoming the source of indoor and outdoor noise pollution without being aware of it.  

From traffic noise to loud or inescapable sound from construction sites and social and political programmes, sound pollution is affecting millions of people every day.