Lucknow: The honking culture in the ‘city of tehzeeb' has led to noise pollution levels crossing the permissible limits even in ‘silent zones' such as hospital premises.
TOI conducted noise level monitoring at the main gate and within 100 meters of the city's prominent hospitals: Civil Hospital, King George's Medical University (KGMU), Balrampur Hospital, and Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences for one hour (12 to 1 pm).
It was found that noise pollution levels were over 33% of the permissible limits of 50 decibels (dB). At all four hospitals, the noise levels remained in the range of 81 to 90 decibels during the monitoring.
The permissible noise limit near hospitals in India is 50 decibels (dB) during the day and 40 dB at night. These limits apply to areas within 100 meters of hospitals, which are considered ‘silent zones.'
Also, state govts have declared ‘silent zones' which include areas that lie within 100 meters of the premises of schools, colleges, hospitals, and courts. The permissible noise limit in these silent zones is also 50 dB during the day and 40 dB during the night.
According to experts, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that noise levels in hospitals should be below 35 decibels (dB) on average, with a maximum of 40 dB at night. However, when the noise outside and near hospitals is 50 dB, it will eventually add to noise levels inside the hospitals too.
During TOI monitoring, noise levels recorded at KGMU were 83 dB, at Civil Hospital it was 87 dB, Lohia Hospital 88 dB, and at Balrampur Hospital 79 dB.
"Noise pollution levels near KGMU, which peaked at 83 dB during a five-minute analysis, are a serious cause for concern," said ENT surgeon Dr Rakesh Srivastava.
"For patients, such high noise levels can be detrimental, especially in a healthcare setting where peace and quiet are essential for recovery. Noise above 80 dB not only elevates stress levels but also disrupts sleep and hinders the healing process. Patients recovering from surgeries or illnesses are particularly vulnerable, as their bodies require a calm environment to regenerate and regain strength."
Director of Balrampur Hospital, Dr Pawan Kumar Arun, emphasized, "People must understand that honking outside hospitals, despite clear signboards prohibiting it, creates problems for patients and staff. It is essential for the police and administration to enforce these rules effectively, while the public must also change this behaviour. Additionally, awareness campaigns should be organised to educate people about this issue."