Noise pollution – More attention is needed

The serene atmosphere of Kashmir valley has inspired thousands of sages to attain a higher spiritual state in its forests, river banks, banks of lakes, and pastures. Due to this serene atmosphere, Kashmir is often known and referred to as a place where there is peace and tranquility. However, in the last few years, our city as well as towns have expanded exponentially. Keep City aside, Pahalgam and Gulmarg which were earlier known for the rustling sounds of pine branches, the gushing sounds of river on the stones is now associated with the honking of the cars of the people on picnic there. But in the mad rush to become fatter, richer, and famous in little time people are building hotels, resorts, huts, and clubs across the length and breadth of Kashmir. There is a cacophony of sounds around everywhere we see. Sounds of vehicles, loud music, and the sounds of mason’s equipment smashing on the bricks and rocks. Everywhere we look we see men in a hurry trying to change the landscape of the city. There are houses under construction, and plots being walled. Noise can cause attacks of stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and hysteria in both humans and animals. Loud noise can have latent effects on our behavior, causing aggressive behavior and irritability. The canals, gardens, fresh air, and almond alcoves that we knew have now been converted into a concrete jungle. Amidst all the cacophony the sounds of birds, the sounds of Jhelum waves hitting the banks, the whisper of spring breeze gets muffled. There are government regulations in place about the decibels within which the sounds should be produced. We hope the establishment takes this critical issue into consideration and takes the issue of noise pollution seriously.