Be doubly sure that you will not bang the horn next time when you pass in front of All India Radio studios in the city. The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has set up a real-time noise pollution monitoring system there. The system informs the people about noise and temperature.
The real time noise monitoring system will record the level of noise every minute. The network creates baseline data and facilitates its analysis for policy makers and implementing agencies to take appropriate actions for noise control at regional and national level.
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The maximum noise recorded since its installation is 84 decibels which is much higher than permissible limits of 65 decibels. Generally, it hovers around 67 decibels during daytime.
The equipment is so sensitive that the system records even if one claps loudly. Significantly, the system will not be affected by rain as well. Though the rain noise is recorded, the rain per se will not interfere with the noise analysis.
The Central Pollution Control Board has provided the Rs.18-lakh equipment imported from Spain. The AIR station was zeroed in as it suited the guidelines issued by the government to install the system.
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The government asked the PCB officials to identify a centrally located place. In addition, the identified place should be a government property.
When contacted, APPCB Vijayawada zone Joint Chief Environmental Engineer A. Vijay Kumar said Vijayawada was one of the four cities selected to install the monitoring system.
All-India programme
The real time ambient noise monitoring was installed as part of the all-India programme and under 13 Finance Commission funds. The CPCB has sanctioned two systems each to Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, while Tirumala and Vijayawada got one each. The equipment is on trial run, he said.