KARACHI, June 23: Karachiites in general are exposed to high levels of noise, often above 85 decibels to 110 decibels (i.e. much beyond safe limits), either at frequent intervals or for a long stretch of time between four to ten hours. Medical experts comprising ENT specialists, environmentalist, researcher, SSP Traffic and a representative of local transporters body discussing the issue of noise pollution at a seminar organized by the Pakistan Medical Association Karachi here on Wednesday registered with concern that the issue was largely ignored at all levels at the cost of physical and mental health status of the masses.
Dr G.H. Sheikh of the PCSIR in his presentation based on series of studies conducted in Karachi and Hyderabad respectively with regard to noise pollution caused by motor vehicles and at industrial units functional in the two cities observed absolute lack of sensitivity regarding the issue on part of society.
He mentioned that while rickshaws were the main culprits in causing noise pollution yet motorcyclists, minibuses and omni buses and cars closely followed the trend without realizing that it was not only the commuters or passers by but that the drivers themselves were the major victims bearing the brunt owing to their own wrong doings.
He mentioned that there were a number of laws to combat the violation yet lack of will on part of law enforcers and ignorance among the masses situation was never attempted to be duly addressed.
Following the presentation, panellists comprising Dr Umer Farooq (ENT Surgeon), Mohammad Muzzafar (SSP Traffic), Dr Moazzam Ali from the Institute of Environmental Sciences, Karachi University, Syed Bukhari (President, Tanzeem-i-Malikan Bus, Karachi), Dr Qaiser Sajjad (PMA General Secretary) discussed in detail the intensity of the scenario and loop holes preventing an efficient strategy that may protect public health.
It was unanimously acknowledged by both medical and non-medical professionals present on the occasion that the growing pollution level was causing growing incidence of hearing impairment among those directly exposed to noise.
Lack of tolerance, irritation, frequent bouts of headache were reminded to be some of the manifestations of noise pollution on public health with particular reference to those moving on thoroughfares while going to their work place or educational institutions or manning the traffic (traffic cops).
Dr Umer Farooq reminded that noise level above 70 decibels involved ear nerves meant to protect the hearing capabilities of human being and that while 80 to 85 decibels were considered the maximum limit, bearable for an individual, there were sites in Karachi where noise level could be gauged 120 decibels, which was the noise level of jet planes.
“Ironically there happens to be no idea that those exposed to high level of noise need protective gears as plugs and protectors to help avoid chances of deafness,” he said.
Referring to a PMA study during which noise levels were attempted to be assessed at five selected locations of the metropolis, he mentioned that while zero noise pollution was gauged at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at DHA, levels ranging between 90 to 120 decibels were registered at places as Tibet Centre, Mere-Weather Tower and certain parts of old city area.
Dr Farooq also mentioned of another study by his co-professional which found that 40 per cent of traffic cops in the metropolis had hearing level above number as compared to 70 per cent of rickshaw drivers (those driving rickshaws for periods above 10 years) exposed to the same condition that was partial hearing impairment.
“In a nut shell longer is the noise trauma higher is the chance of being severely affected,” he said.
He was supplemented by Dr Qaiser Sajjad who observed that it was mainly lack of compliance to the set rules and regulations that people in city were made to suffer adding that sound generated by rickshaws plying in Quetta and Lahore had been found to be below 80 decibels, usually within safe limits.
Dr Qaiser Sajjad urged need to shun the impression among Karachi-based rickshaw drivers that installation of silencers affected the pick of their vehicle.
SSP Mohammad Muzzafar pointed out that Karachi traffic police lacked necessary gadgets to keep constant surveillance on the noise level generated by rickshaw and other vehicles. He mentioned that there existed acute dearth of traffic cops to manage the fast growing volume of traffic in the city.
However, he did refer to routine measures adopted by different departments of the police to check fitness of vehicles before being allowed to move on city roads.
According to him, pressure tactics had also its derogatory impact on different well-intentioned campaigns for safe and pollution-free environment in the city.
Syed Irshad Bukhari, leader of bus owners association, admitted that a campaign launched by city police under the supervision of former inspector-general of police Syed Kamal Shah against noise causing rickshaws was shelved as transporters resorted to protest and picketing.
However, he assured that transporters in general were now in favour to any campaign meant for the betterment of the city and would cooperate with police to combat the nuisance of noise pollution caused by motor vehicles in any form.
He also highlighted importance of electronic media in educating the public including owners of the vehicles, transporters, drivers and passenger about the severe consequences of noise pollution. —APP
