The problem of noise pollution, part and parcel of life in Indian cities, has caught government’s attention this time.

The Central Pollution Control Board is planning to install noise governors on instruments and equipment that multiply sound to reduce noise pollution. Like the speed governors in vehicles, noise governors embedded in instruments that create noise can help keep the sound level within permissible limits.

The CPCB also plans to manage the national ambient noise monitoring network being set up by the environment ministry. This infrastructure, meant for noise mapping of the country, is expected to be in place in about five years.

With noise pollution having crossed the 80 decibel (db) threshold level beyond which noise becomes physically hurtful and harmful, curbing noise pollution has become need of the hour.

Studies in selected mega cities put Delhi on the borderline in terms of noise pollution, with an average sound intensity of 80 db. Other metropolitan centres that are well above the danger-mark include Kolkata (87 db), Mumbai (85 db) and Chennai (89 db).

Vehicular noise, including the use of unduly loud and harsh-sounding horns, is a major contributor to noise pollution. But there are other sources too, including the unrestrained use of loudspeakers.