Rajshahi Correspondent

Youth Action for Social Change (YASC), an environmental advocacy and volunteer organization focused on development in the Barendra region and Rajshahi, expresses deep concern over the alarming levels of noise pollution in Rajshahi city.

Every day, the noise levels in important areas of the city, such as Saheb Bazaar, Talai Mari, Rail Gate, Railway Station area, Dhaka Bus Terminal, Bhadra Mor, and Lakshmipur, are exceeding legal limits, disrupting the daily lives of city residents.

According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report of 2022, Rajshahi has been identified as the fourth most noise-polluted city in the world, signaling a severe issue for urban life.

The highest recorded noise level in the city is 96.30 decibels. Except for industrial areas, there is intense noise pollution throughout Rajshahi city. A non-governmental organization named Barendra Environmental Volunteer Development Organization has been measuring noise levels at five critical junctions in the city for the past three years.

According to their data, the average noise level at Talai Mari near RUET was recorded at 84 decibels in 2022, rising to 88.80 decibels in 2024. At Lakshmipur Hospital area, the levels increased from 90 decibels in 2022 to 96.10 decibels in 2024. At Saheb Bazaar Zero Point, the noise level rose from 88 decibels in 2022 to 90.50 decibels in 2024. Similarly, the noise level at Rail Gate increased from 90 decibels in 2022 to 96.30 decibels in 2024. Additionally, noise intensity has also risen in the BSCIC industrial city, known as Rajshahi's industrial area.

Impact of Noise Pollution one is Health Hazards: Excessive noise can lead to long-term damage to hearing, as well as serious health issues such as mental stress, insomnia, hypertension, and heart disease. Professionals, particularly traffic police who are constantly exposed to high noise levels, are suffering severe damage to their physical and mental health. Traffic sergeant A. Khayyam reported that working 8 hours on the road daily is making him irritable and affecting his hearing.

Second is Impact on Education and Work Efficiency: High noise levels near educational institutions and offices are disrupting students' concentration and reducing workers' productivity. Constant exposure to noise diminishes both educational quality and work performance.

Three is Impact on Wildlife: Not only humans but wildlife is also facing harm due to noise pollution. Birds and other animals in the city are encountering obstacles in finding food, reproducing, and building habitats.

Causes of Noise Pollution and Current Situation the primary causes of noise pollution in Rajshahi city include the increasing number of battery-operated auto rickshaws, widespread use of hydraulic horns, and deforestation under the guise of urbanization. In areas like Rail Gate, Talai Mari, and Saheb Bazaar, noise levels have already surpassed 90-96 decibels, while the legal limit is 70 decibels. A survey revealed that the average noise level at Talai Mari rose to 88.80 decibels in 2024. This situation is disrupting normal life and poses a serious threat to the health of citizens.

One is Increasing Pollution Levels Threatening Citizen Health: The growing noise pollution in Rajshahi is having a devastating impact on the mental and physical health of its residents. Urban development activities and uncontrolled vehicle use are the main causes of the city's noise pollution. Particularly at major intersections, the sounds of horns, construction noise, and deforestation are further worsening environmental pollution. Experts recommend strict legislation for noise control and initiatives for a forestation to promote greenery.

Second is Noise Pollution Damaging Children's Mental Health: The levels of noise pollution in Rajshahi are negatively impacting children's mental development. Unnaturally high noise levels near schools, playgrounds, and residential areas are hindering the physical and mental growth of children, leading to irritability that affects their educational performance. Child specialists advise a forestation around educational institutions and controlling the use of horns to address this issue.

Three is Traffic Congestion and Horn Use Intensifying Noise Pollution: Traffic congestion and the tendency to use horns unnecessarily are exacerbating noise pollution in Rajshahi. The high-volume horns of battery-operated autorickshaws and the honking caused by road congestion are making the urban environment toxic. Environmentalists believe effective measures by traffic police are needed to manage vehicle traffic and control horn usage.

Four is Impact of Noise Pollution on Students’ Education: Noise pollution is diminishing students’ ability to concentrate on their studies. High noise levels during exams or study sessions are disrupting their learning environment, which in turn affects the quality of education. To protect students from noise pollution, measures must be taken to ban horn use in residential and educational areas and to raise public awareness to ensure silence.

Five is A forestation as an Effective Measure to Reduce Noise Pollution: The need for large-scale a forestation to reduce noise pollution in Rajshahi is increasingly urgent. Trees are capable of absorbing noise, so proposals have been made to plant more trees along the city’s main roads. Additionally, as part of urban development plans, it is crucial to undertake reforestation in vacant areas of the city to control noise pollution.

Proposed Effective Measures that in response to the disastrous situation of noise pollution, YASC proposes the following effective measures: One is Control of Horn Usage: It is essential to mandate the use of silent horns or trumpet horns instead of high-volume horns. This measure will help reduce noise pollution levels immediately.

Two is regulating the Number of Battery-Operated Vehicles: Creating dedicated lanes for battery-operated vehicles in specific city areas can help reduce traffic congestion and noise pollution. This will also contribute to better traffic management.

Three is strengthening A forestation Efforts: Increasing a forestation in peripheral areas of the city will enhance noise absorption capacity. Trees such as mango, name, and drumstick are effective in absorbing urban noise.

4 is Raising Public Awareness: It is crucial to conduct extensive public awareness campaigns to discourage unnecessary horn use. Additionally, marking 'Noise Pollution-Free Zones' in educational institutions and offices and raising public awareness about this issue is advisable.

Government and Private Collaboration:
With the cooperation of urban development authorities, local administrations, and transport owners’ associations, strict law enforcement for noise pollution control and environmentally friendly development activities must be conducted under urban planning. Alongside law enforcement, citizens must also play a responsible role through increased public awareness.

On behalf of Youth Action for Social Change (YASC), we firmly believe that active measures and awareness can overcome the noise pollution crisis. We are committed to playing a leading role under the slogan "Youth’s Victory is assured."

Today's actions to control noise pollution promise a healthy and stable urban life for future generations. The participation and awareness of everyone in Rajshahi can collectively protect our city from the dangers of noise pollution. Let us be conscious and work together to restore the beauty of environmental friendliness and silence in urban life.