Sound pollution is touching a new high in Noida due to the use of audiocassettes in buses and cars besides public address system in the nook and corner of almost every park.

All this happens in violation of every norm of sound pollution in the town. Running of generators in markets, institutions, clubs, etc add to the sound as well as air pollution considerably.

The Pollution Control Board has brought forth some shocking facts.

According to its study, the pollution level is much higher than the permissible limits set by Indian Standards Institute.

A disturbing fact is that one does not have to take permission from any agency for nightlong jagrans, marriage or other functions.

Each state government is supposed to set up a high-level authority under the district magistrate against Pollution Control Act of 2000. But this authority has not been set up in Noida.

This rule is being enforced rigidly in Delhi and other important towns. For example, all New Year parties fixed in hotels and clubs in Noida went on till the wee hours of January 1 with participants creating high-pitched sounds.

The sound level form Gole Chakker to Atta on Dadri Road was found between 75 and 80 decibels. In Sector-18 and 12-22, it was between 80 and 85. This was practically true of the whole of Noida with the exception of few residential sectors.

The ideal higher limit of permissible noise level, fixed by Indian Standards Institute, is around 60 decibels. Variety of electronic horns in trucks and motorcycles is just another factor that raises noise pollution, according to experts of District Pollution Control Board.

Second, the generators being excessively used in view of deplorable power supply position also create air pollution.

RTO has not taken any step to control noise and air pollution by vehicles.

In case the increasing noise and air pollution is not stemmed, life will become a hell in this town as pollution causes ailments like asthma and other problems related to lungs and ears.