Quieting the Chaos: Effective Noise Reduction Solutions for Urban Areas

Amidst the urban cacophony, finding tranquility even within the four walls can be challenging. In large cities, especially in Dhaka, noise levels consistently exceed the acceptable limits.

"The noise intensity is sometimes 2 to 4 times higher than the standard decibel limits in many areas. Dhaka dwellers are exposed to such high noise daily from 13 to 14 hours on average," said Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, professor and chairman of Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) at Stamford University.

Whether it is the noise from traffic, construction work, industrial areas or sneaky sources in domestic areas, relentless exposure to excessive noise has serious mental and physical health impacts. Noise reduction strategies in urban areas encompass both long term solutions, such as proper urban planning and more immediate solutions, such as soundproofing.

Long term solutions

Urban planning plays a preventive role by designing city layouts that minimizes noise pollution, creating buffer zones, green spaces, and strategically positioning buildings away from major noise sources. "Faulty zoning, poor traffic management and absence of landscaping barriers like trees make the sound pollution more severe in urban areas," said Dr. Adil Mohammed Khan, professor of Urban and Regional Planning Department at Jahangirnagar University.

Due to poor planning, most of the areas are mixed zones in our cities, further escalating the noise pollution. "We have hospitals beside factories, apartments beside industrial units and the urban development in Dhaka has been organic without much thought put into planning. Cities must be planned with a proper zoning system to make sure that factories are not built near residential apartments, hospitals or educational institutions," remarked Dr. Khan.     

However, even in mixed zones the noise could be kept under tolerable limits if everyone strictly adhered to the Noise Pollution Control Rules (NPCR) 2006 which sets safe sound limits in mixed areas 60dB for day and 50dB for night according to him.

Traffic mismanagement is another pervasive issue significantly contributing to noise pollution in cities. The constant hum of engines, blaring horns, and screeching tires create a cacophony that not only disturbs the peace but also contributes to stress, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure and even long-term health problems for residents. "We are impatient when we are on the roads, drivers keep honking their horns because nobody knows how much time it will take to cross a signal. Our manual traffic management system is highly inefficient which amplifies the noise problem," said Dr. Majumder of Stamford University.

There are a total of eleven silent or quiet zones in Bangladesh and two of them are in Dhaka, where blowing horns is a punishable crime. However, even the quiet zones are not free from noise, rather Bangladesh Secretariat, which is one of the silent zones in Dhaka, has the most significant level of noise pollution according to a recent study conducted by CAPS. Lack of public awareness and poor enforcement of laws are solely responsible for the current situation according to the chairman of CAPS. "Noise pollution and traffic control laws should be strictly enforced. Fully automated traffic system must be gradually implemented to improve traffic management. Public advocacy, counseling and widespread campaigns could be potential solutions for driving social awareness," he added.

Immediate solutions

Various soundproofing measures provide an immediate and practical solution in reducing the intrusion of external noise and enhancing indoor tranquility. "Noise reduction often becomes a secondary issue while designing an apartment. Clients are often more concerned with the view," said Fardina Faridi, Architect at Best Holdings Ltd. Considering the health hazards, implementing the effective techniques can transform your residential and commercial place into quieter and healthier spaces.

Insulating can be effective for blocking both internal and external noise. It works by absorbing and reflecting sound, reducing noise transmission through walls, floors, and ceilings. Denser insulation materials work better for curbing the sound from traffic, airplanes, or other high-decibel external sources, benefiting those who live in noisy areas. Insulating walls with foam or other sound-absorbing materials can be especially useful for walls shared with noisy neighbors or common areas like stairwells or elevators. However, it might not be as effective for blocking low-frequency sounds such as noise produced by large compressors or heavy machinery. Combining insulation with other soundproofing materials can significantly improve the acoustic quality of the building.

Installing acoustic panels are efficient for absorbing internal sound. These panels work by dissipating sound energy, reducing echo and reverberation within a room. They are also available in various colors and designs, not only reducing noise but can also adding an aesthetic touch to your apartment or office. Acoustic sealant is another cheap solution which can be used to fill gaps around fixtures and fittings to minimize sound transmission between rooms. "Sealing and multi-layer paneling are effective techniques for blocking noise. False ceilings used for keeping the electric wiring out of sight also function as sound reducing panels," added Faridi.

Acoustic wraps or sound blankets can be used to cover floor, walls or ceilings to deaden the unwanted noise in a room. The thickness and material of the blanket can be customized depending on the type and volume of the noise. They work well in spaces with minimal furniture and wide hard surfaces, such as offices, warehouses, or manufacturing plants. Installing soundproof glass for internal doors, windows and partitioning rooms with drywalls can also reduce disturbance from external or internal sound. "Adding an extra layer of drywall, with a sound-dampening compound like Green Glue in between, creates a barrier that can significantly reduce sound transfer," mentioned Quazi Fahima Naz, architect at Archdoers.

Placing furniture in a certain way can have an impact on the acoustic quality as well. Putting bookshelves or heavy furniture against walls shared with noisy neighbors or exteriors can help absorb sound. Upholstered furniture, such as sofas, chairs, and cushions, absorbs sound, reducing echo and noise within a room. The more soft furnishings you incorporate, the quieter your space will become. "Heavy curtains made from sound-absorbing materials can significantly reduce noise from outside. Adding thick carpets or rugs with underlay padding dampen noise from foot traffic and objects being dropped," said Architect Faridi.

Reducing noise in urban areas is a multifaceted challenge that requires intervention at the planning and policy level as well as structural modifications and right tools for the existing buildings. "Even though noise pollution is a public health hazard, not much attention is given to the issue at the policy level. Current situation is alarming and requires detailing law and amendment of existing regulations for better enforcement. Community mobilization and social awareness are also crucial for complementing the legal provisions for noise pollution," stated Dr. Khan of Jahangirnagar University. As we wait for the long term solutions, with the right knowledge and investment, you can transform your place into a haven of tranquility, shielding yourself from the escalating auditory abuse.