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Noise Disturbance Noise Pollution

The excessive noise pollution in Dhaka

The excessive noise pollution in Dhaka
The excessive noise pollution in Dhaka

The alarmingly high levels of noise pollution in Dhaka city are negatively affecting the daily lives of those who live there. The capital’s normalcy is being disrupted by rising traffic, needless honking, excessive use of loudspeakers, and other high-decibel noise sources. There is a noticeable deficiency in the efficient enforcement of current laws.

The excessive noise is posing serious health risks to residents of Dhaka. Hearing loss affects many people, with college and university students being the most affected. Patients, the elderly, and children are especially at risk, and traffic cops are unable to avoid the noise assault.

The general public’s lack of awareness regarding the dangers of noise pollution is something experts point out. The Environmental Science Department at Stamford University’s Prof. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder noted, “Loudspeakers, construction noise, and needless honking are making everyday life intolerable.” This problem affects not only physical health but also mental health, crop yields, and even the reproduction of urban plants.”

Prof. Majumder continued, saying that just limiting the use of horns excessively could cut Dhaka’s noise pollution by 60%. But in this sense, ineffective law enforcement impedes development. “We have laws, but they are hardly ever put into practice. For example, there should be quiet zones around mosques, schools, and hospitals according to the Noise Pollution Control Rules of 2006, but these are rarely enforced.”

Concerns regarding noise pollution’s long-term effects are being voiced by health professionals. The Director General (DG) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Prof. Dr. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, gave an explanation: “Dhaka has noise levels that are more than twice as high as acceptable, which can cause major problems for both physical and mental health. In addition to hearing loss, diabetes and heart problems are on the rise. Older people, children, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. While continuous exposure to 85 decibels for two hours a day can gradually deteriorate hearing, noise levels as high as 120 decibels can cause immediate hearing damage.”

Experts stress the importance of long-term planning and more stringent application of current legislation. “Nations with sophisticated noise abatement policies penalize individuals who use their horns excessively. Here, we also require strong enforcement,” Prof. Majumder urged. In addition, he demanded that noise control measures, such as refraining from wearing headphones needlessly, be adhered to and that public awareness be raised.

From April 2021 to March 2022, the Stamford University Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) examined noise levels at ten different locations in Dhaka. The study found that in every area surveyed, noise levels were higher than acceptable. In particular, noise levels were higher than the standard thresholds 96.7% of the time in quiet zones, 91.2% in residential areas, 83.2% in mixed-use areas, 61% in commercial areas, and 18.2% in industrial areas.

The results of CAPS demonstrate how widespread noise pollution is in Dhaka, with 82% of all monitored locations regularly recording noise levels above 60 dB. Enforcement of the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006, which establish acceptable noise levels for residential areas at 45 decibels at night and 55 during the day, and for commercial areas at 60 decibels at night and 70 during the day, is still quite difficult.

Action must be taken quickly and thoroughly in response to the Dhaka situation. Mitigating the city’s noise pollution crisis requires strengthening legal frameworks, raising public awareness, and enforcing noise control measures. Residents of Dhaka will continue to suffer from the constant assault of noise pollution unless immediate action is taken to improve their health and general well-being.

References

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

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Noise Disturbance

Aircraft noise pollution may cause weight gain

Living close to an airport can make it difficult to ignore the annoying sound of airplanes taking off and landing all day.

However, researchers from Oregon State University and Boston University’s School of Public Health have found that noise pollution may have an unrecognized negative impact on health: it may encourage weight gain. Their findings were published in the journal Environment International.

Their research shows that self-reported BMI is higher in those who are exposed to aircraft noise levels above 45 dB, and that body weight changes since the age of 18.

“A 45dB noise level is quieter than a typical home conversation (50dB) and slightly above the hushed tones of a library (40dB),” the researchers wrote.

Data from 74,848 nurses who lived close to the 90 major airports between 1995 and 2010 were used in the US study. During this time, researchers measured aircraft noise levels every five years using a 24-hour time span and accounting for differences in noise levels during the day and night.

BMI changes starting at age 18 were also computed. According to the study’s findings, older adults appear to be more vulnerable to the relationship between aircraft noise pollution and weight gain than younger adults.

Participants who lived in arid climates, on the US west coast, or who had previously smoked also showed stronger associations.

Our bodies might not have adapted to the constant input of noise that permeates our modern world. According to study co-author Junenette Peters, noise affects stress responses, which can set off a chain of events that can result in a higher BMI and eventually disease.

The experts offer a theory for regional differences, but they haven’t determined why ex-smokers appear to be disproportionately impacted.

“It’s possible that study participants who lived in the west were more exposed to aircraft noise because of open windows or the type of housing they occupied, which allowed more noise to penetrate,” Peters said. “Regional differences in temperature and humidity may influence behaviors such as window opening.”

Although this study employs a novel methodology to investigate the correlation between obesity and aircraft noise exposure at the national level in the United States, it is not the first to draw attention to the detrimental impacts of airport noise pollution on public health.

Specifically, aviation noise pollution has been linked to disturbed sleep patterns and a higher chance of developing cardiovascular conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The inhabitants of towns where aircraft noise is most prevalent have a higher risk of dying from myocardial infarction, according to French research published in 2020.

References

www.freemalaysiatoday.com

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Asia Noise News

People living 8 km away from a music festival complain about noise

The weekend’s S2O the city of Hong Kong Songkran Music Festival took place at the Central Harborfront.

Eight noise complaints about the weekend’s festival at the Central Harborfront have been reported to Hong Kong environmental authorities, and some residents in Wong Tai Sin and Tsz Wan Shan, eight kilometers away, have complained about loud music disturbing them.

The S2O Hong Kong Songkran Music Festival’s organizers announced on Wednesday that they had hired personnel to measure noise levels at various locations throughout the venue, and that they had “no serious exceedance” noted during the entire event.
A festival representative stated, “During the event, the measurements were reported to the Environmental Protection Department every hour.”

“During and after the event, the organizer maintained close communication with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the police.”

US singer Pauline Herr, Moldovan song producer Andrew Rayel, and South Korean DJ NewJeansNim were among the performers scheduled for the two-day festival on Saturday and Sunday.

DJ NewJeansNim was among the performers at the weekend. Photo: Facebook/S2O Hong Kong Songkran Music Festival

On social media, some residents of the communities across Victoria Harbour in Wong Tai Sin and Tsz Wan Shan claimed to have felt vibrations from loud music on both nights.

Others claimed to have dizziness and ear pain.

“I can still hear the noise even though all the doors are closed,” a Facebook user stated over the weekend. This is absurd.

Another internet user claimed he had to take painkillers because the noise was so loud.

Some other people online questioned the range of sound waves and why the music was only audible to those living in Wong Tai Sin and not to those living throughout the Kowloon peninsula. There are 8 km in a straight line between Central and Wong Tai Sin.

According to the Environmental Protection Department, it kept in touch with the organizers of the various outdoor music events held on the Central Harborfront and “paid close attention to various outdoor music events.”

A representative stated, “The loudspeaker volume has to be adjusted if excessive noise is detected from an event.”

He said there was no noise disturbance discovered during inspections on Saturday and Sunday at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade across the harbor and close to City Hall, respectively.

Although the department promised to investigate the complaints, it was unable to determine if the complainants were from Tsz Wan Shan and Wong Tai Sin.

The department verified that the festival organizer had submitted an application for a temporary license to operate as “places of public entertainment.”

The license requires that the event’s organizers keep an eye on noise levels in areas where people are sensitive to noise, modify the loudspeaker’s direction to avoid nearby residential buildings, and terminate the event before 11 p.m.

Police said they were unable to identify the source of multiple complaints they had received on Sunday night regarding music and noise disturbance.

Low-frequency noise, according to chartered mechanical engineer Lo Kok-keung, can travel eight kilometers. In addition, he mentioned that Wong Tai Sin and Tsz Wan Shan were higher up on the Kowloon peninsula than other areas.

 

References

www.scmp.com

Categories
Asia Noise News

Locals in Tampines complain that noisy chickens keep them awake at night.

The loud hens in a nearby park have been causing some Tampines residents to lose sleep.

According to two locals, the hens at Sun Plaza Park on Tampines Avenue 7 have been crowing early almost every day, keeping the residents’ sleep disturbed, as reported by Shin Min Daily News.

There are roughly eight blocks of HDB apartments near the park, according to a Google Maps search.

The Chinese daily was informed by a disgruntled resident, Chen, 38, that the issue began in December 2022 and that he hears the chickens crowing at around five in the morning.

“I grew up in the neighborhood, and this kind of issue never existed before. I think there are too many wild chickens being produced.”

Another resident, 70 years old, went by the surname Ji, saying the noise from the crowing of the chickens frequently wakes her up at 4.45 a.m. and keeps her awake.


“I’m having trouble sleeping, and it gets worse every day. My granddaughter has to go to school, so I usually get up at six in the morning,” she continued.

Upon visiting the park on Monday afternoon, May 27, a Shin Min reporter observed that numerous chickens were loudly crowing and flying up and down from the trees.

Chen reported that no one has been feeding the birds at the park, and they just appeared out of nowhere.

After voicing several complaints to the Tampines Town Council, he received an email confirming that the council was collaborating with NParks to securely relocate the chickens.

“I believe the authorities have taken action, including relocating the chickens, but it seems to have little effect,” he stated. “I hope the problem gets resolved without harming the chickens.”

AsiaOne has requested a statement from the Tampines Town Council.

Typical view in Tampines
For a long time, Tampines has been home to hens that are allowed to roam freely.

In 2018, the Straits Times reported that a number of locals had voiced concerns regarding the cacophonous clucking of chickens in the garden area situated on Blocks 266 and 267, Tampines Street 21. After that, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority collaborated with the Tampines Town Council to move a few hens.

As per a May 2023 report published by The Straits Times, NParks has received over 600 submissions regarding wild chickens until the time of publication. In 2021, there were 950 reports received by town councils, government agencies, and the Ministry of National Development—more than three times as many as in 2017.

According to The Straits Times, there have also been reports of free-ranging chickens outside of Tampines in places like Pasir Ris, Kembangan, and Bukit Merah.

 

References

www.asiaone.com

Categories
Asia Noise News Noise Technology

AI in Acoustics by Geonoise Asia

Role of AI in Acoustics by Geonoise Asia

Geonoise Asia is ready for Artificial intelligence (AI integration into the field of acoustics to enhance various applications, from noise monitoring to sound quality assessment. Here are some key areas where we as Geonoise Asia use AI to make an impact in acoustics:

1. Noise Monitoring and Management

 Automated Noise Detection:AI algorithms can be used to detect and classify different types of noise in real-time. This is particularly useful in urban environments where continuous monitoring is needed to manage noise pollution.

– **Predictive Analytics:** Machine learning models can predict future noise levels based on historical data, helping city planners and engineers to implement effective noise control measures.

2. Sound Quality Assessment

 Speech Recognition: AI-driven speech recognition systems are used to analyze and transcribe audio data. These systems are becoming more accurate and are used in various applications, including virtual assistants and automated customer service.

 Audio Enhancement: AI algorithms can enhance audio quality by reducing background noise, echo, and other distortions. This is valuable in both consumer electronics and professional audio equipment.

3. Acoustic Material Design

 Optimization of Acoustic Materials:AI can assist in designing and optimizing materials for better acoustic performance. By simulating different materials and structures, AI helps identify the best configurations for sound absorption and insulation.

4. Environmental Acoustics

 Wildlife Monitoring: AI is used to monitor and analyze the sounds of wildlife, helping researchers understand animal behavior and track species. This is particularly useful in remote or difficult-to-access environments.

 Acoustic Remote Sensing: AI helps in processing large amounts of acoustic data collected from remote sensing equipment to map and monitor environmental changes.

5. Architectural Acoustics

 Room Acoustic Modeling: AI can be used to predict and optimize the acoustic properties of spaces, such as concert halls, lecture theaters, and recording studios. AI-driven simulations help in designing spaces with optimal sound quality.

 Sound Localization: AI algorithms can enhance the localization of sound sources within a space, improving sound system designs and hearing aids.

6. Product Development and Testing

 Automated Testing: AI can automate the testing of acoustic devices, such as microphones, speakers, and hearing aids, ensuring consistent quality and performance.

 Feature Extraction: Machine learning models can extract important features from audio signals, such as pitch, loudness, and timbre, aiding in the development of better audio products.

7. Machine Listening and Sound Classification

 Environmental Sound Classification: AI systems can classify a wide range of environmental sounds, from traffic noise to natural sounds, enabling various applications in urban planning, security, and wildlife conservation.

 Music Information Retrieval: AI is used to analyze and retrieve information from music recordings, such as genre classification, beat tracking, and mood detection.

Tools and Technologies

 Deep Learning: Deep neural networks, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs), are widely used for tasks such as sound classification and audio enhancement.

 Natural Language Processing (NLP): For applications involving speech recognition and transcription, NLP techniques are essential for processing and understanding spoken language.

 Digital Signal Processing (DSP): Combining AI with DSP techniques allows for more sophisticated analysis and manipulation of audio signals.

Case Studies

Sonar Systems: AI enhances sonar systems used in underwater acoustics, improving object detection and classification in marine environments.

 Hearing Aids: AI-powered hearing aids can adapt to different acoustic environments in real-time, providing users with clearer sound.

Integrating AI into acoustics opens new possibilities for innovation and efficiency in sound-related fields, making it an exciting area of research and development.

Reach out to us for more exciting news.

Geonoise Asia.

Michel Rosmolen

Direct

Categories
Noise and Vibration Product News

Noise mapping is now made easy

When designing a building, architects have a lot to consider, such as understanding the client’s brief, budget considerations, ensuring building regulations are met, safety and environmental requirements, creating new building designs, drawing up detailed plans, and working closely with other contractors involved. 

There is, however, one invisible factor that is sometimes overlooked – and that’s noise. The noise levels from, and within, a building can strongly influence whether it is judged as a success or failure. Taking steps to mitigate excessive noise brings many benefits to the environment, the economy, and the health of a building’s users and the local community.

A survey conducted by Earth5R in January 2023 by 45 volunteers from 15 Indian cities investigated noise pollution and found that noise levels were nearly 50 per cent higher than the permissible limit of 50 dBin ‘silent’ and residential areas.

Making the invisible, visible

Although noise is invisible, by using simulation software, it is possible to create a noise map. These are very visual demonstrations of where it comes from and how it propagates. The charts are color-coded so can be understood easily. This can be useful, especially when dealing with the local community or non-building professionals involved in the project. Mapping software can also break down different noise components rather than just giving an overall figure as a measurement does. With this approach, mitigation can be targeted in the most cost-efficient way.

Uncomplicating the process

If one only has an occasional requirement to undertake a project to assess noise, then mapping the noise using specialist software does not need to be complicated. Perhaps requires a one-off survey for an industrial plant, development plan, or transport infrastructure or one may need to predict the noise emissions from sound systems at an open-air event, to give a graphical overview of the expected noise during the planning of the stage setup. That’s why the developed SoundPLAN essential, software is designed to provide reliable tabular and graphical results for a standard noise calculation with the investment of minimal time. What to consider when choosing software:

  • Clear documentation is just as important for one-off or occasional noise projects as it is for more comprehensive noise mapping. Check that the software provides informative, standardized tables and clear graphical outputs so that one can present and document the noise map calculation results professionally and clearly in no time at all.
  • Does the software enable one to map different types of noise emissions from roads, railways, and industry sources effortlessly? For example, for industrial noise, is there a convenient level calculator whereby machine operating times and the emission of moving sound sources can be taken into account very easily?
  • Check the software is always up to date with the latest noise standards for road, rail, industry, events, parking lots, and for noise from outside sources that can affect people within a building.
  • Make sure it contains a large number of noise emissions data within its library, including emission of moving sound sources, to simplify noise reporting, whilst also giving one the flexibility to add their own data at any time. The information can come from manufacturers’ specifications, software libraries, and many other sources.
  • Choose software that enables to import and adjust geometry data. It should enable one to transfer background maps from Google Maps and Open Street Map so that one can use these as a basis for terrain models and work on projects efficiently.
  • Does the software include a ‘Building Acoustics-Outside‘ module? This is a very helpful tool when it comes to noise remediation or protective measures against external noise when planning buildings. It can be used to prove the acoustic properties of a room against unwanted outdoor noise. Software should conform to the updated standard EN ISO 12354-3:2017, relating to the estimation of the acoustic performance of buildings. The software should include optimization for any number of facades and components, as well as the use of a library of supplied sound insulation options.
  • If the requirements are changing and one needs more than occasional standard noise mapping, can they easily be upgraded to a more comprehensive noise mapping package, like SoundPLAN noise?
Categories
Asia Noise News

When the second runway at Hong Kong International Airport opened, there were complaints about aircraft noise. – from the SCMP archive

Yesterday saw the opening of Chek Lap Kok’s second runway, amidst threats of protests from Tsuen Wan locals who say they were not informed about the nearly 80 decibel aircraft noise.


Albert Chan Wai-yip, a member of the Tsuen Wan District Board and convenor of the Aircraft Noise Concern Committee, stated that over 150,000 people, or half of the city’s population, live beneath the second runway’s flight paths.

The District Board estimates that aircraft noise from Chek Lap Kok may affect one million people.

However, Alex Au Kang-yuen, acting director of the Civil Aviation Department, claimed the number was “exaggerated.”

The Aircraft Noise Concern Committee reports that following yesterday’s runway opening, noise levels at Allway Gardens and Belvedere Garden were 78 and 77 decibels, respectively.

Yesterday’s readings from the Civil Aviation Department varied from 60 to 66 dB.

Anything above 85 to 90 dB can temporarily impair hearing, which is the safe noise limit.

On May 26, 1999, a Xiamen Airlines aircraft touches down on the Hong Kong International Airport's new north runway. Image: SCMP

There are currently up to 37 flights per hour, seven days a week, taking place at a maximum of 1,000 meters from some heavily populated areas.

Each runway will be able to accommodate up to 40 aircraft per hour by the end of October, according to a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department.

According to Mr Chan, unrest may result from the disruption of the way of life in the New Territories.

“People can do incredibly unreasonable and crazy things when the economy turns sour and emotions are unstable,” the speaker said.

Depending on the direction of the wind, the group wants aircraft to change their route.

Mr. Chan stated that petitions would soon be submitted to the Civil Aviation Department.

Chen Ying-sung, 71, an Allway Gardens resident, said the police were underreporting noise levels.

He measured the noise pollution on his building’s roof with Mr. Chan yesterday, and the results showed that it reached 78 decibels.

Mr. Chan remarked, “I can’t hear the television when it’s the loudest.” “I’m concerned about the situation once flights [on the second runway] start operating nonstop in August.”

At a press conference on May 27, 1999, Simon Li Tin-chui of the Civil Aviation Department talks about the aircraft noise produced by the two runways at Hong Kong airport. Image: SCMP

According to a spokeswoman, the Civil Aviation Department has met with Tsuen Wan and 12 other district boards on multiple occasions. She stated that residents would not receive any compensation.

The Advisory Council on the Environment’s chairman, Peter Wong Hong-yuen, announced that the group would ask to be briefed with the Civil Aviation Department and the Airport Authority.

“The proposed flight path needs to be examined; even a one-mile difference can have significant effects,” he stated.

At 10.30 a.m. on Dragonair flight KA807 from Shanghai, the first passenger aircraft to land on the new northern runway was made.

References

scmp.com

Categories
Asia Noise News

Loud and inappropriate noise The Uttarakhand government forbids filming reels and videos at Char Dham

Loud and inappropriate noise The Uttarakhand government forbids filming reels and videos at Char Dham
Loud and inappropriate noise The Uttarakhand government forbids filming reels and videos at Char Dham

The Char Dham shrines are 50 meters or less from the Uttarakhand government’s ban on filming reels and videos.
This is a long overdue decision because the video producers engage in behavior that might be deemed improper for a place of sanctity in addition to obstructing pilgrims’ paths and causing delays in line.

Chief Secretary Radha Raturi of the state stated, “Some people record videos, create reels, sing, play music, and do other things that hurt other people’s religious feelings. Having a cell phone and making calls with it is not forbidden. However, it is forbidden to play loud music, create reels, or cause any other disturbance on the temple grounds.

When a 60-quintal “Om” figure was erected at Kedarnath Dham in 2023, there were protests. Since then, it has become a location for selfies. Many people think that the attention on these things ruins the quiet reflection and devotional feelings associated with visits to sacred sites.

In a review meeting, the state’s chief minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, also urged all VIPs to postpone their yatra beyond May 21 due to the influx of pilgrims.

Furthermore, letters warning against unregistered yatris attending the yatra due to chaos have been sent to all states. Only online registration is available, and the government has asked that those who have registered arrive in Dham by the deadline. Before the yatra, health examinations are required, and people with co-morbidities, like heart conditions, are asked to disclose this information.

The increasing practice of creating reels—at times in awkward positions, using loud voices, etc.—has raised concerns at other houses of worship as well. For example, there have been numerous incidents of locals in Ayodhya beating up people who are bathing in the Sarayu, at the ghats, and creating reels to songs that are offensive. “There should be respect for the religious and spiritual sanctity of holy places,” stated Mahant Raju Das.There are plenty of other places to visit if your only goal in visiting is to view the pictures, videos, and social media posts. There are about thirteen locations for selfie sticks in Ayodhya, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was notably pictured at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk snapping a picture of himself using a phone on a selfie stick.

On May 10, the Char Dham yatra was declared open. Over 3.3 lakh people had visited the shrines as of Thursday.

References

www.theweek.in

Categories
Noise Disturbance

Tenant in Yishun Industrial Complex accuses neighbor of hammering a lorry and obstructing the fire escape route, causing a standoff.

A man going by the name Wang has reportedly been bothered for the last two months by his neighbor, who was playing loud music.

Wang, who operates a storage company on the third floor of the YS-One industrial building in Yishun, claimed to Lianhe Zaobao that both he and his clients were disturbed by the noise coming from his neighbor, an event company.

He claims that for the previous three years, the event company has been dumping its products along the shared driveway. Additionally, they pile their belongings in the shared space, obstructing the path to the fire extinguisher and the fire escape.

Every time I use the driveway, I have to tell them to move their truck, which is really annoying.

We also offer eyelash extension products, but customers are unable to enter my business due to a lorry that is blocking the entrance. It has an impact on my business,” Wang remarked.

On January 31, a fight broke out between Wang and his neighbor over the latter’s unloading of items and obstruction of the path, which further infuriated the tenants. They called the police to ask for help.

Wang said that ever since, his neighbor has been blasting loud music through speakers facing his apartment.

Wang said that nothing had changed despite his repeated complaints to the police and building management.

Neighbour used hammers to hit his lorry
Neighbour used hammers to hit his lorry

In addition to the noise, Wang told Zaobao that on April 8, one of the event company’s employees struck his truck with two hammers.

A man was seen wandering the parking lot with two hammers in his hands while wearing a green T-shirt on CCTV footage. In addition, the man was observed beating on the iron railings close to Wang’s apartment with the hammers, seemingly in an attempt to scare the residents.

Wang called the police again, this time feeling scared by the man’s behavior.

“As far as I’m aware, my employees asked him to quiet down, but he responded that since this is an industrial building and not a residential neighborhood, noise is acceptable.

“When the police came, he went back into his unit and refused to respond.”

An employee of the event company with the last name Lin claimed in an interview that her coworkers were in the habit of listening to music while at work.


However, the 58-year-old claimed that there was never any intention of causing a commotion.

Lin didn’t think Wang would be affected by the music because the industrial building was already noisy.

“We don’t want to create trouble, making money is more important,” she stated.

Lin stated that the items in the common area are only left outside when taking stock.

“We don’t leave the items there for long, we’ve been careful since the authorities warned us.”

In response to Zaobao’s inquiries, a JTC Corporation representative stated that they had heard from a renter regarding noise disruption and unapproved item storage within the building.

According to the spokesperson, tenants have been reminded to keep their noise levels down and stay within the National Environment Agency’s allowed bounds.

To guarantee a secure working environment for all tenants, they further stated that they are collaborating with the Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF).

The SCDF notified Zaobao that they had received a report of an unauthorized item storage in the YS-One building’s common area, which constituted a fire safety violation.

They are trying to get the tenant to fix the problem by working with JTC Corporation.

References

https://www.asiaone.com/

Categories
Building Accoustics Environment Home Noise Technology

Use technology to mitigate disruptive noise

Use technology to mitigate disruptive noise
Use technology to mitigate disruptive noise

Singapore, a city-state renowned for its densely populated residential high-rises, consistently struggles with noise pollution.

Noise complaints increased dramatically during the Covid-19 pandemic; in 2021, the Housing Board received as many as 3,200 complaints per month, which was a marked increase over pre-pandemic levels.

The government has urged locals to address noise complaints with their neighbors directly or with the assistance of community leaders. If that doesn’t work, there is always mediation and, as a last resort, legal action. But given the volume of complaints, we ought to reconsider how we handle noise-related problems.

More forceful responses to severe noise-related conflicts include the creation of a specialized enforcement unit with the authority to look into complaints, the installation of noise sensors with permission, and the issuance of abatement orders. Although these are positive steps, given the number of cases and the current manpower shortage, will these initiatives be sufficient?

A comprehensive approach that makes use of technology ought to include defining precise noise guidelines, enforcing them, and requiring soundproofing in all upcoming building projects.

Furthermore, it might be worthwhile to think about creating simple-to-install “self-help” Internet of Things-enabled noise sensor kits for ongoing monitoring to assist impacted citizens.

People who are easily startled by loud noises may be more willing to pay the price.

Furthermore, giving residents more authority communicates to the neighborhood that proactive noise control measures are expected.

These developments could lead to a significant decrease in the need for court cases and mediation, improve community harmony, and establish Singapore as a world leader in intelligent, sustainable urban planning.

References

www.straitstimes.com

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