MEV 017: Unit 06 – Industrial and Noise Pollution
UNIT 6: INDUSTRIAL AND NOISE POLLUTION
6.1 Introduction
Industrial growth has
brought economic benefits but also led to environmental challenges. Industrial
pollution arises from manufacturing processes, chemical waste, and
emissions, while noise pollution is an often-overlooked byproduct of
modern life, especially in urban and industrial zones. Both types of pollution
pose serious threats to human health and ecological balance. This unit
discusses the legal frameworks, causes, impacts, and regulatory
measures relating to industrial and noise pollution in India.
6.2 Objectives
After completing this
unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the sources
and impacts of industrial and noise pollution.
- Discuss major
legislations such as the Factories Act (1948), Motor Vehicles
Act (1988), and Public Liability Insurance Act (1991).
- Explain the rules
and standards for noise pollution control.
- Describe the
role of CPCB and SPCBs in industrial and noise pollution control.
- AnalyzeEIA
Notification, 2006 in the context of industrial projects.
6.3 The Factories
Act, 1948
The Factories Act,
1948 is a key piece of legislation governing industrial safety, health,
and welfare in India.
6.3.1 Safety in Ports
and Docks
- Separate safety
codes and guidelines apply to dock and port workers under the Dock
Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Act, 1986.
- Emphasis on
prevention of accidents, fire hazards, and chemical exposure.
6.3.2 Safety in Mines
- Governed by the Mines
Act, 1952 and associated rules.
- Ensures safe
working conditions in coal, metal, and other mines.
- Enforces
provisions for ventilation, dust control, and mine safety
officers.
6.3.3 National Safety
Council, 1966
- Set up by the
Ministry of Labour to promote industrial safety.
- Organizes training
programs, safety audits, and National Safety Day campaigns.
- Plays a key role
in accident prevention in factories and hazardous industries.
6.4 The Motor
Vehicles Act, 1988
The Motor Vehicles
Act regulates vehicle emissions and noise pollution from automobiles.
- Empowers
authorities to set emission norms and noise limits for
vehicles.
- Introduced the Pollution
Under Control (PUC) certification.
- Updated in 2019
to include stricter penalties for non-compliance.
- Supports
adoption of eco-friendly transport solutions (e.g., electric
vehicles).
6.5 The Public
Liability Insurance Act, 1991
- Introduced after
the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to ensure prompt relief to victims of
industrial accidents.
- Mandates insurance
coverage for industries handling hazardous substances.
- Establishes a
fund for immediate compensation in case of an accident.
- Ensures strict
liability of industries without the need to prove fault.
6.6 Noise Pollution
Noise pollution
refers to unwanted or harmful sounds that interfere with normal
activities such as sleeping, communication, or mental well-being.
6.6.1 Factors
Influencing Noise Pollution
- Urbanization and
traffic congestion
- Industrial
machinery
- Construction
activities
- Lack of zoning
regulations
- Cultural and
religious events (loudspeakers, firecrackers)
6.6.2 Sources of
Noise Pollution
- Road traffic (horns,
engines)
- Railways and
airports
- Industries and
construction
- Household
gadgets
(generators, music systems)
- Public address
systems
6.6.3 Functions of
CPCB and SPCBs in Noise Control
- Setting ambient
noise standards.
- Monitoring and mapping
noise levels in urban areas.
- Issuing guidelines
for construction and traffic noise.
- Reviewing
compliance
with Noise Pollution Rules.
- Facilitating public
complaints and grievance redressal.
6.6.4 Ambient Air
Quality Standards in Respect of Noise
The CPCB has defined
noise standards (measured in dB(A)Leq):
Area Category |
Day Time Limit |
Night Time Limit |
Industrial Area |
75 dB |
70 dB |
Commercial Area |
65 dB |
55 dB |
Residential Area |
55 dB |
45 dB |
Silent Zone |
50 dB |
40 dB |
Silent Zone includes areas
around hospitals, schools, courts (within 100 m).
6.6.5 The Noise
Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000
- Issued under the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Prohibit use of loudspeakers
and firecrackers between 10 PM and 6 AM.
- Define “ambient
noise” and penalties for violations.
- Empower District
Magistrates to enforce noise control measures.
- Mandates zoning
of areas into industrial, commercial, residential, and silent.
6.7 Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA)
EIA is a tool used to
assess environmental consequences before the approval of industrial and
infrastructure projects.
6.7.1 EIA
Notification, 2006
- Issued under the
Environment Protection Act, 1986.
- Classifies
projects into Category A (handled by MoEFCC) and Category B
(by SEIAAs).
- Requires:
- Scoping and screening
- Public
consultation
- Submission of Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS)
- Mandates
preparation of Environmental Management Plans (EMP) and mitigation
strategies.
6.8 Let Us Sum Up
This unit examined industrial
and noise pollution—their causes, consequences, and legal frameworks.
The Factories Act, Motor Vehicles Act, and Public Liability
Insurance Act form the backbone of India’s industrial pollution regulation.
Noise pollution is controlled through the Noise Pollution Rules (2000)
and ambient noise standards. Regulatory agencies like the CPCB and SPCBs
play a vital role in enforcement. Finally, the EIA Notification (2006)
ensures that industrial projects are environmentally assessed before
implementation, promoting sustainable development.
Comments
Post a Comment