Category: Environment

Categories
Asia Noise News Environment Home

Netizens’ reactions to the Woodlands HDB void deck being cordoned off to prevent children from playing football are mixed.

Singapore — Online criticism has been directed at a town council in Woodlands for their decision to partially block off the void deck of a public housing block in order to stop ball play. This was done in response to complaints about noise from the locals.

On November 23, TMSG, a blog covering sports, entertainment, and lifestyle, received a message from an unidentified resident of Block 638 Woodlands Ring Road expressing his displeasure with the action taken by the Sembawang Town Council. This brought the matter to the attention of a larger audience.

According to TMSG, the resident thought it was “ridiculous” that the town council had closed off a sizable portion of the void deck because kids had been playing football there.

Additionally, he distributed the town council’s notice of the closure.

The notice, dated November 3, announced that the town council was investigating complaints of schoolchildren “kicking ball and shouting while playing” that were considered a “noise nuisance.”

According to the report, students persisted in playing at the void deck in spite of prior attempts to “educate” them by posting “No Ball Game” signs and warnings from local council officers and grassroots leaders in Zone 8 not to do so.

Consequently, the town council resolved to temporarily prevent non-compliance by barricading off a portion of Block 638’s void deck.

The notice said that “once the situation improves,” the temporary hoarding would be removed and that “the void deck is still available for use for weddings, funerals, and other functions upon booking for use.”

A notice on the wall of the void deck at Block 638, Woodlands Ring Road, seen on Nov 30, 2023. The notice informs residents of the reason behind the barricading of the area.
A check by TODAY revealed that the orange safety net was still in place at the void deck on Thursday (Nov 30).

‘NO FUN ALLOWED’

Users of the online forum Reddit have taken notice of the problem and expressed conflicting views about it. Since it was posted last Sunday, a discussion thread on the subject has received 203 comments and 303 upvotes.

Many of them appeared to disagree with the actions of the Sembawang Town Council, emphasizing how little opportunities there are for sports and outdoor activities for young people in Singapore.

“For the kids, they play (at the) void deck likely because that’s the only option for them,” one of the top comments said. They are not going to pay the money to reserve private cages, and there aren’t many available public ones.

A few of them contended that kids ought to be permitted to play at empty decks at less disruptive times, like late afternoon or early evening.

The residents who lodged complaints were chastised by some for “making a mountain out of a molehill.”

“No fun allowed” was criticized by one user. “This is way too extreme,” said someone else. How come the ****** living in the block and the (council) have so much power?

 

Concerns were also expressed about potentially impeding Singapore’s football culture’s growth even more, citing instances from other nations where street soccer was crucial in fostering interest and fundamental abilities.


“This is why whatever World Cup dream we have is dead,” a Reddit user wrote.

However, some Redditors applauded the decision for reasons like noise disturbance for night shift workers and worries about the area’s cleanliness, resident safety, and potential damage.

One person related, saying, “I’m quite against letting kids play ball there because I’ve been hit on the head by a stray football while walking past a void deck.”

Another person made the following argument: “Maybe because if (they) hit it (with the ball), the lights could get damaged or the ball would leave dirt marks on the ceiling and walls that would be difficult to clean.”

A few people bemoaned the seeming decline in communal areas within public housing estates and recalled their early years of playing football at the void deck with neighbors.

“I remember the good days (where) we played half-court football at the void deck wall,” a Redditor posted. The goal post has two slippers. No maximum height. Chinese, Indian, and Malay players together.

Another person pointed out: “Weren’t void decks initially conceptualised as a social space for residents? We’ve really come a long way from that (and not in a good way).”

  • Sembawang Town Council has been criticised for partially cordoning off the void deck of a housing block in Woodlands in order to prevent ball-playing
  • A notice stated that it did so over “noise complaints”
  • One resident expressed discontent over the decision, calling it “ridiculous”
  • An online discussion on the matter showed that there were mixed opinions
  • Some people supported the move for noise and safety reasons, while others found the measures “extreme”

References

https://www.todayonline.com

Categories
Asia Noise News Environment Home

Condo life is being destroyed by noise pollution

Bangkok’s condominium market is booming because of the city’s ever-changing skyline and its incredible views, modern interiors, and unmatched amenities. However, noise insulation is a frequently disregarded factor that every buyer should give top priority before making an investment. With insufficient soundproofing, the din of urban life can become a constant disruption as cities get denser.

The urban conveniences of owning a condominium in Bangkok are what attract many people to it. Purchasing a condo in this city ensures a luxurious and hassle-free lifestyle, from the attraction of its thriving nightlife and delicious food to the convenience of its business areas. However, picture arriving at your new sanctuary to find the annoying disruption of outside (traffic) noise, or worse, noise from your neighbors.

You cannot rely on regulations to ensure that you won’t be disturbed by noise from your neighbors because there is no legislation regarding noise between condominiums in Thailand.

There are two types of noise that can disturb the peaceful sound environment you are expecting: airborne noise and structural noise.

Airborne noise can come from TV, music, neighbors conversing loudly, and other sources. Additionally, factories, entertainment centers, and traffic noise can all produce airborne noise. Installations within your home, such as air conditioning units, fans, and noise from the neighbor’s plumbing (from showers and toilet flushing, among other things), can also produce airborne noise.

Structural borne noise is caused by vibrations in the construction of a condominium; think of people walking on a floor with high heels, a gym with falling weights, a condominium that is next to a lift shaft or since recently, a condominium that is next to an automated car park lift, the origin of the noise heard in the condominium has a structural borne source.

The human ear is designed to pick up sounds, and while it’s a boon in quieter, natural settings, in a bustling city, it becomes a bane. Continuous exposure to noise affects our sleep patterns, concentration, and can have long-term psychological effects.

Prioritise noise insulation

It is the duty of condominium developers to provide not only visually beautiful designs but also units that ensure seclusion, calm, and tranquility. Noise insulation is not given much priority because the rush to construct as many condominium projects at the lowest possible cost is underway. The developers are still using the same lightweight concrete blocks—between 10 and 12 centimeters—to build the walls and floors as they did thirty years ago. At most, the noise reduction will be about 40 dB, or STC (Sound Transmission Loss). However, buyers are becoming increasingly conscious of this. (most of the times unfortunately after they bought their condo) and voice their complaints as a “owners group”; they want more value for their money and are unhappy that the outdated standards are still in place. They will complain to the developers and make them put in place noise mitigation measures if they feel that even the lowest standards are not being met.

Check before purchase

Considering the significance of soundproofing, prospective homeowners ought to take proactive measures to guarantee their new condominium provides adequate noise absorption. What you can do is as follows:

Inquire about the types of building materials that were used; developers and agents ought to be able to furnish specifics. The STC between the condominiums will be determined by the walls and floors, in particular. To ensure that you are not concerned about this, it would even be preferable if the contract included a clause regarding noise reduction. Developers can forecast a building’s noise insulation in a variety of ways during the design stage.

Simply request the acoustic report when purchasing a new condo to ensure that the values will meet your needs.

A Sound Transmission Coefficient of 50dB—basically, the amount of noise blocked from your neighbors—is a recommended value for privacy in a condominium; the higher the better.

An STC value of about 55 dB would be found, for instance, in a five-star hotel.

The Path Forward

Noise insulation is a top priority for both developers and buyers as Bangkok’s condominium market soars and the city continues to thrive. It’s not only about keeping the house quiet; it’s also about protecting mental health, guaranteeing sound sleep, and improving life in general.

It is recommended that prospective purchasers view noise insulation as a must-have feature in their new condominium. By doing this, they can ensure a calm haven in the middle of Bangkok, free from the constant energy of the city.

We have received complaints from purchasers of newly constructed condominiums, and a large number of them express dissatisfaction upon moving into their new residence. It is very expensive and difficult to improve the noise transmission loss once it has been purchased. The extra expenses are well worth it if the design is sound from the beginning.

References

www.bangkokpost.com

Categories
Asia Noise News Environment Home

Tribunal board in Singapore rejects condo owner’s complaint about noise from water pump

SINGAPORE – The legal attempt by a condominium resident to have the pump system in the Seletar estate turned off after she complained about noise from a pump that powers a water feature in the complex failed.

A request to “switch off the noisy fountain pump immediately” was made in an application that Ms. Liu Xiaoyu submitted to the Strata Titles Board. The condo’s management corporation strata title (MCST) was involved.

The board denied her application, stating that she was unable to provide evidence that the noise she had complained about was exclusively related to the pump, in a decision released on November 21.

In an expert report, Ms. Liu, who was representing herself, claimed that the noise level in her ground-floor apartment was higher than what the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended for community noise in particular settings.

The board took notice of the information in the report that suggested there were additional noise sources besides the pump and the water feature, such as foot and vehicle traffic and noise from the nearby Greenwich V shopping center.

The board also observed that Ms. Liu acknowledged, during cross-examination, that her bedroom was noisier than her balcony, which was next to the pump, because of the noise from the mall’s parking lot.

She produced an audio recording of the purported noise, but she acknowledged that it was only the sound of the running water, which was her original reason for buying the unit.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) does not currently have any regulations dictating the noise levels of water pumps or other features in residential areas.

In an expert report, the MCST—represented by Mr. Daniel Chen and Mr. Drashy Trivedi of Lee & Lee—stated that the noise level was within the NEA guideline on boundary noise emission limits for mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems in non-industrial buildings.

The MCST expert proved during the hearing that Singapore could not meet the WHO guidelines, which state that bedrooms should not have any noise level higher than 30 weighted decibels, or dbA.

A quick audio recording during a quiet moment in the room yielded a weighted decibel reading of 44.7.

This implies that WHO guidelines “may not be practicable in a highly urbanized city-state like Singapore,” according to the board.

It also mentioned that levels recommended by the US and UK urban sound guidelines are higher than those recommended by the WHO.

The board stated that the applicant had not demonstrated, on the balance of probabilities, that the noise levels of the fountain pump were objectively undesirable under the facts of the case.

On May 31, 2021, Ms. Liu, who resides with her aging parents, purchased the apartment through a resale transaction.

The family previously resided in a HDB apartment in Yishun, but she stated she made the decision to move to a condo in order to give her parents, who are retired, a “more peaceful environment.”

She felt that the sound of the water had a calming effect, so she bought the unit that was next to the swimming pool.

Shortly after moving in, in July 2021, Ms. Liu and her parents complained to the then-manager of the condominium about noise.

According to her, the sound came from a water feature that features water pouring into a feature pool from the top of a wall. In the feature pool, the pump is hidden beneath a grating, and the wall faces away from her unit.

Given that Ms. Liu had seen the water feature several times prior to making the purchase, the MCST contended that she had purchased the unit with her eyes wide open.

It also mentioned that the unit’s previous owners, who had occupied it for more than six years, had not filed any complaints with it.

The board noted in its ruling that noise tolerance levels are arbitrary and that what is tolerable to one person may not be to others.

On the other hand, it stated that it must make decisions regarding noise from an impartial and moral standpoint.

The board also expressed sympathy for Ms. Liu’s situation and wished her family an amicable resolution.

References

www.straitstimes.com

Categories
Asia Noise News Environment Home

Residents of Ang Mo Kio are complaining about the noise from the MRT construction

Residents of Ang Mo Kio are complaining about the noise from the MRT construction; one person covers a window with a mattress.

It was way past midnight.

Therefore, why was Block 424 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 still under construction?

The noise was described as “totally unbearable” by one resident.


“This has been the same every night from Monday to Saturday for over a month,” Stomp contributor Vincent wrote, attaching a video of two cranes that were still in operation at 3.30 a.m.

Every night, earplugs are required for the family member who stays in the front rooms. To go asleep, my daughter needs to be extremely exhausted.”

Along with the picture, he posted was of his neighbor blocking out the racket by leaning a mattress up against a window.

The North-South Line’s Ang Mo Kio MRT station is directly across the street from where the Stomp contributor resides.

The upcoming Cross-Island Line is the purpose of the construction.

A Land Transport Authority (LTA) representative responded to a Stomp inquiry by saying, “LTA is currently carrying out diaphragm wall construction works for the Cross Island Line-Ang Mo Kio interchange station.”

When building a diaphragm wall, a large volume of concrete is poured into the excavated area to form the wall structure. This process requires deep excavation.

“For safety reasons, these works must be carried out continuously to prevent any collapse of cut trench walls and ensure the stability of the surrounding ground and building structures,” stated the spokesperson.

“We are aware that the nearby residents may experience some disruption and inconvenience as a result of these works. We have already explained the nature of these important works to the residents through door-to-door engagements and circulars.

“In addition, we have put in place a series of noise mitigation measures, such as the installation of noise barriers and localised noise shields around the machines as well as work zones.”

The spokesperson went on to say that precautions have also been taken to reduce machinery movement at night.

By the end of this month, the current phase of diaphragm wall construction near the Stomp contributor’s block should be finished.

The LTA spokesperson stated, “We seek residents’ understanding on this matter.”

“We will continue to work closely with our contractors to make further adjustments if needed.”

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has established maximum allowable noise levels for construction work near various types of buildings based on the day of the week and time of day in order to reduce noise pollution.

Between 10 p.m. on Saturdays and the eve of public holidays and 7 a.m. on the Mondays that follow or the days after public holidays, no construction work is permitted.

On certain Sundays and public holidays, construction sites in the architectural or project completion stage are permitted to conduct quieter work; however, contractors must apply for a permit from the NEA in order to do so.

References

www.asiaone.com

Categories
Asia Noise News Environment

Ganesh Visarjan: Police will take stern action against violators and noise levels will be monitored at 22 locations

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the College of Engineering, Pune’s environment department will monitor noise levels at 22 locations throughout the city.

The police have vowed to take strict action against violators during Thursday’s immersion procession because noise levels in the majority of Pune’s central areas have exceeded the allowable limit thus far during the 10-day Ganeshotsav.

Additionally, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the environment department of the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) will monitor noise levels at 22 locations throughout the city.

Pune Police Commissioner Retesh Kumaar advised mandals to take precautions to ensure that noise levels did not exceed permitted levels during the designated time period.

“We’ve made the decision to conduct sporadic inspections and keep an eye on noise levels in the city’s center and other key areas. Strict action will be taken against violators if anyone is found to be going beyond the boundaries set forth,” he said.

Kumaar asserts that each mandal will lead two to three dhol-tasha groups in the procession, as stated by the city police.

“Dhol-tasha groups are also limited to carrying a combined total of 50 dhol and 15 taashas. Mandals that play music are permitted to carry double-layered music systems. There will only be three stops for Mandals, Kumaar said.

During the Ganesh immersion procession in the city, noise pollution is a significant concern. In addition to breaking noise pollution regulations, excessive loudspeaker use by Ganesh mandals is bad for everyone’s health, especially those who are exposed to the noise for extended periods of time.

Dhol-tasha pathaks, which were once thought of as a less harmful alternative to loudspeakers, now produce the same amount of noise as the speakers.

As the grand procession passes through this area, the central city will be the exercise’s main focus. In addition, the MPCB will record noise levels in the city’s suburban areas. The activity will be conducted by the board both during the day and at night, according to Nitin Shinde, sub-regional officer for the MPCB in Pune.

“According to last year’s observations, noise levels in nearly all of Pune’s neighborhoods were significantly above the recommended levels. The noise restrictions were broken on the first day of the Ganesh festival this year as well.

According to MPCB officials, the police department is in charge of taking enforcement action against noise pollution violations.

References

www.hindustantimes.com

Categories
Environment

Narayan Peth records the loudest noise pollution during Dahi Handi at 110 dB

The Central Pollution Control Board’s standard limit was exceeded by 110 decibels during the Dahi Handi celebrations in Pune.

Although grand, this year’s Dahi Handi celebrations in Pune were equally loud. Narayan Peth recorded a noise level of 110 decibels, the highest recorded between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Thursday, according to measurements made by the environment department of the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) Technical University. Live performances, loudspeakers, and disc jockeys all added to the city’s noise pollution.

Under the direction of the department head Mahesh Shindikar, Jaywant Nandode and Indrajit Deshmukh from COEP recorded noise levels in various locations. Ten locations throughout the city’s center were used to collect the readings.

According to the data, Narayan Peth recorded the highest noise level, 110 decibels, which is significantly higher than the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) standard limit.

According to CPCB regulations, residential noise levels are limited to 45 decibels at night and 55 decibels during the day. The limit is set at 65 during the day and 55 at night in commercial areas. It can be up to 50 (during the day) and 40 (at night) for quiet zones.

The monitoring of noise levels used to be restricted to the Ganesh festival and Diwali because of the increased use of loudspeakers and firecrackers during those times. However, the increased use of loudspeakers and sound systems has led to higher noise levels at the Dahi Handi festival in recent years.

The COEP Technical University’s environment department head, Mahesh Shindikar, stated, “This is the first time we have recorded noise pollution during a Dahi Handi celebration. At every location, the noise level has been recorded as being higher than what is allowed. Exposure to such loud noises for an extended period of time is unhealthy for humans.

Pune’s joint police commissioner, Sandeep Karnik, declared: “The police administration has instituted vigilance in the city. We will investigate the information and complaints we have received and follow the law.

References

www.hindustantimes.com

Categories
Asia Noise News Environment

Noise pollution among top issues concerning citizens in Pune

PUNE: On the evening of August 17, a frazzled senior citizen from Mundhwa contacted the Pune police via their designated WhatsApp number to complain about a dhol-tasha troupe’s “loud noise.” The complainant and other locals were greatly relieved when a beat marshal took immediate action on the complaint.

Since its July 10 launch, the Pune police’s “anytime complaint” initiative to assist citizens in need has received positive feedback. The Pune police have received 1,224 complaints through WhatsApp through a 50-day period ending on August 30 from all over the city, including a small number from other districts.

As soon as the WhatsApp message was received, the sender’s location was sought, and the relevant police station was notified, according to a police officer speaking about the Mundhwa case. The dhol-tasha practice was in progress when the beat marshal arrived. He instructed the group to turn down the music and respect the 10 o’clock curfew. The group complied, so the police contacted the complainant and requested his input,” the officer said.

According to an analysis of the complaints that were submitted as a result of the initiative, “noise pollution” accounted for the second-highest number of complaints that the Pune police received during the two-month period. Since the WhatsApp number’s debut, 247 loud noise complaints from bars, hotels, and restaurants, also known as dhol-tasha pathaks, have been sent to it. As soon as the complaints were received, patrol marshals were dispatched to the locations, according to Pune police commissioner Retesh Kumaarr.

On the WhatsApp number, some odd complaints that fell outside of the police’s purview were also received. A person who got lost in another district made one of these complaints.

“The initiative’s main goal was to motivate women and girls to file complaints about issues that affect them. Our primary goal is to reduce crimes against women. We could better serve the women if we received a simple text message on their WhatsApp number, according to Kumaarr.

At least 70 women and girls filed complaints on the provided number up until August 30, which allowed police to take action. When commercial establishments’ noise levels exceed the established limits, senior citizens, children, and the ill frequently find themselves in a difficult situation. They find it very convenient to solve the problem by simply sending a text message with the location and address while they are still in their homes. The police commissioner stated, “Our team is working effectively to ensure that all complaints are addressed in a timely manner.

Anshuman Choudhari, a local of Wadgaonsheri, complained that the restaurants and bars in the area have been too disruptive. We will definitely use the initiative from the Pune police, which appears promising. The Pune police team contacts the complainants again to get their feedback after receiving the complaints via the WhatsApp number and taking appropriate action.

A Dhayari resident praised the initiative and suggested that police raise awareness of it to encourage more people to file complaints about problems that affect them. “Noise from commercial establishments is a serious problem, particularly at night. The resident suggested that more people call the special helpline to voice their concerns.

References

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Categories
Asia Noise News Environment

Fighting noise pollution Dhaka

It is alarming to learn that the majority of the time in this city, the noise level is more than twice the acceptable standard, which is permanently harming the physical and mental health of city dwellers. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) published its “Annual Frontier Report, 2022,” which ranked Dhaka as the world’s most noisy city. In accordance with the 1999 WHO guidelines for community noise level, the recommended limits are 55 decibels for residential areas and 70 decibels for traffic and commercial areas. However, the report found that the average noise level in Dhaka was 119 decibels, the highest in the world in 2021. There is no denying that the media has given air and water pollution issues a lot of attention, but there seems to be less awareness of the issue when it comes to noise pollution. The negative impact of noise pollution, which is no longer just a minor health risk, has still not received enough attention. A little progress has been made over the years to stop this issue from getting worse.

Different things like traffic, hydraulic horns, aircraft, construction and repair work, industrial operations, and more all produce noise. A study suggests that the primary cause of noise pollution in Dhaka is the hydraulic horns of moving vehicles.

It’s important to note that 25.3% of professionals employed as road workers in the five city corporations of Dhaka South, Dhaka North, Rajshahi, Cumilla, and Sylhet have hearing impairment.

According to experts, noise pollution impairs sleep, raises blood pressure, causes headaches, indigestion, and auditory fatigue. Any person can become completely deaf after working in a loud environment for a long time.

Due to their work regulating traffic, traffic police are more susceptible to hearing issues. Hearing issues have been identified in the field traffic police who have worked together for many years.

Additionally, it has been noted that pregnant women who live close to major airports give birth to more immature, deformed, and crippled children than those who live elsewhere.

It’s time to act decisively to reduce the amount of noise pollution in the city. We must develop the necessary strategies to enact pertinent laws to address noise pollution and take it more seriously. Regulations and rules for noise monitoring should be implemented by the relevant authorities.

We think that with proper management, the level of noise can be reduced and the detrimental effects of sound pollution can be eliminated for Dhaka residents.

References

https://bangladeshpost.net

Categories
Environment Noise-th

Pattaya police crack down on noise nuisance and street racing

Thailand’s Pattaya – In response to the urgent problem of street racing and noise disturbance brought on by Arab tourists in the Soi 18 and Pattaya Second Road areas, Pattaya police launched a comprehensive crackdown on reckless driving and disorderly behavior on August 5.

As a result of their loud vehicles and disruptive behavior, large groups of Arab tourists have started congregating in South Pattaya’s notorious Soi 18 neighborhood. Both locals and visitors in the area have experienced discomfort as a result of the constant engine revving and the ensuing cacophony of noise.

The traffic police have already taken action to reduce erratic driving and noise pollution. They have intensified their efforts by sending more officers to strategic locations where these Arab groups are known to congregate and engage in street racing, though, in response to recent unruly incidents.

The traffic department has consistently enforced traffic discipline measures, according to Pol. Lt. Col. Arut Sapanont, head of the Pattaya City Traffic Police Division. However, given the unique difficulties presented by the Arab groups, they have stepped up their presence in key areas to discourage and capture those who engage in street racing and causing disturbances.

“Offenders caught participating in illegal street racing and causing noise disturbances will face severe penalties,” police lieutenant colonel Arut warned. To address the violations, the traffic police will issue two separate summonses. The first summons targets motorists who are observed operating vehicles without valid licenses, without helmets, or with unauthorized modifications, such as loud exhaust pipes.

Those rental companies connected to these unlawful activities will receive a second summons. They run the risk of having their vehicles impounded and a 2,000 Baht fine. Police confiscated 10 motorcycles during the crackdown, including two that had illegal modifications.

References

https://www.pattayamail.com

Categories
Environment

Active or Passive noise control, what is the difference ?

USAThailandChinaIndonesiaVietnam