What is meant by 'noise pollution'? How can noise pollution be controlled ?

Noise pollution simply connotes unwanted sound in the atmosphere. It is unwanted because it lacks the agreeable musical quality. Noise is therefore, sound, but it is pollution when the effects of sound become undesirable. In order to control the noise pollution caused from various sources such as industrial activity, construction activity, generator sets, loud speakers, public address system, music systems, vehicular horns and other mechanical devices the Central Government has framed certain rules known as 'The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. The rules provide for the ambient air quality standard in respect of noise for different areas/zones. An area comprising 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutions and courts has been declared as the silence area/zone. The ambient air quality standards shall also be considered by the all development authorities, local bodies while taking any development activity. A loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used at night (between 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) except in closed premises for communication. Whoever commits any offence of playing music or uses any sound amplifiers, beats a drum or blows a horn, etc. in a silence zone/area shall be liable to a penalty.