NGOs march in Jalandhar, demand action on noise and air pollution

On the occasion of National Pollution Control Day today, members of the NGO Mission 6213 Punjab and Coaching Federation, Jalandhar, took out a march and have submitted a memorandum to the district administration and the Mayor, Municipal Corporation, seeking control on the noise level in areas around hospitals and schools.

President of the NGO Prof MP Singh said, “Noise pollution has emerged as a silent but significant public health crisis. With urban decibel levels routinely breaching permissible limits near schools, hospitals and residential zones, the constitutional promise of dignity and peace is being eroded. Despite a robust legal framework in place since 2000, fragmented enforcement, civic fatigue, and policy inertia have left the issue largely unaddressed.”

Member Prof Sanjeev Aggarwal said, “Deteriorating air quality in Jalandhar is severely affecting children, the elderly, and those with weak immunity. Doctors report a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses, with 70–80 per cent of OPD cases involving children suffering from asthma and bronchitis, and about 10 per cent being severe enough to require ventilators. Cardiac issues have also increased, as polluted air strains the lungs and raises the risk of heart attacks and heart failure, especially among older patients.”

Advocate JP Singh of the NGO Umeed and Gagandeep Singh Nagi of the NGO Jazba, who too joined the march, have listed out several demands to curb the menace, “Noise barriers should be used on roads. Controlled decibel boards can be set up near hospitals and schools. Footpaths should be made free from encroachments. Ample parking space can reduce congestion. Planting trees and shrubs near roads and public institutions helps substantially reduce noise and air pollution”.