ISLAMABAD – Problem of noise pollution in the twin-cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, because of traffic density and lack of proper management, is increasing day-by-day and causing hearing problems.
Noise pollution has increased in pollution free zone areas of twin cities due to the lukewarm attitude of concerned authorities.
It is serious concern for public health and limited number of silent zones shows the lack of interest towards environmental cleanliness on the part of the authorities concerned.
In the capital city there are several noise pollution free zone specially the areas near hospitals where drivers are supposed not to blow horns but because of absence of proper policy to implement the environmental laws these places are constantly buzzing with honking horns, whirring engines etc.
Other reason for noise pollution is growing number of auto workshops near residential areas is ruining the peace and calm of the residents by causing noise and environmental pollution in violation of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) byelaws. Most of these workshops are located in Khada Market, Sector-G/7, G/11, I/9, I-8/4 and Karachi Company neighbourhood.
According to CDA’s byelaws, no polluting industry can be allowed to set up in the city’s residential areas but contrary to it, industries such as steel furnaces, steel melting, galvanising, marble cutting are mushrooming in the same areas.
A CDA official told the media that the authority had issued notices to the owners of workshops but those notices were not followed by any punitive action.