‘Noise' is derived from the Latin word ‘nausea'. Most Indians suffer its consequences including hearing loss of varying degrees, stress-related ailments, heart disease, blood pressure, psychological effects and so on. A recent study of traffic policemen in Mumbai indicates significant hearing loss in over 90 per cent of subjects.
While those fortunate enough to shelter behind glass and concrete barriers constantly complain of high levels of noise, slum and pavement dwellers who are even more vulnerable in the absence of any barriers are unaware of and unable to defend themselves against its ravages. An escalating level of noise is considered an “unavoidable” side-effect of urbanisation, one that is not resisted in the interests of “development” and “communal harmony.” In some parts of the country, we breathe a sigh of relief when we realise how much this attitude has changed today; we then look forward and see the long road to civility that lies ahead.
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