Disturbing DJ nights

Peace and quiet is undeniably luxury for anyone at home. But a hotel at Rukminigaon has chosen noise that has ruined our serenity. DJ Nights have been embraced by the hotel every night to cater to a select group of entertainment seekers. Shortly after dinner, the sound is getting unbearable and exceedingly loud and the tranquillity of our surroundings has totally been shattered. That loudness is definitely not OK. Does anybody ever wonder if the noise could be damaging our hearing?

Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, GOI came up with Noise Pollution (Control and Regulation) Rules in the year 2000 that were amended later. Section 5 lay down the restrictions on the use of public address (PA) systems. It shall not be used at night except in closed premises. The State Government may permit till midnight during festive occasion not exceeding fifteen days in a calendar year. The maximum noise levels permissible are between 50 and 75 db during day and between 40 and 70 db at night. In private place, it shall not exceed > 5 dB (A). Do we follow those guidelines?

As far as loudness for human is concerned sounds more than 85 dba can be dangerous for noise-induced hearing loss. We suffer a heavy toll of death and disability through exposure to excessive noise. The private parties are enjoyable and relaxing but they need to enjoy in the close premises. Residents of Rukminigaon could not sleep until the last shrill laugh at midnight. Board examinations are going on and students can’t just concentrate. Hoteliers have no business to shatter the neighbouring environment. Noise has to be controlled at the source itself. The administration has been turning a deaf ear to the pleas of its most vulnerable citizens.

Kamal Baruah,

Rukminigaon, Guwahati