Environment minister calls for united action to control noise pollution

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo on Sunday called for coordinated efforts by government and private institutions, relevant agencies, and the public to counter air and noise pollution.

The minister said public awareness must be raised about the health risks of noise pollution, including hearing loss, insomnia, and mental health problems, adding that children, the elderly, and heart patients are the most vulnerable.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the closing workshop of the “Integrated and Participatory Project for Noise Pollution Control” at the Department of Environment in the capital’s Agargaon.

Highlighting the harmful effects of excessive honking, he said drivers and traffic police are among the worst affected.

Referring to the pilot “Silent Zones” project in parts of the capital, he said the authorities are working to expand it to more areas.

Project Director Farid Ahmed said authorities have conducted 2,500 mobile court drives under the project, filed 7,297 cases, collected Tk10,813,000 in fines, and seized and destroyed 6,986 hydraulic horns.

Ministry Secretary Md Raihan Kawsar said training railways, aircraft, vehicles, and machinery operators could help reduce noise pollution.

Department of Environment Director General Dr Md Lutfor Rahman chaired the event. BRTA Director (Operation) Mir Ahmed Tarikul Omar, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md Anisur Rahman, and others attended the workshop.

The workshop concluded with the unveiling of the book “Survey Reports on Noise Level Measurement in 64 Districts and Towns" by the minister.

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