Traffic, construction push up Bengaluru's noise levels

Bengaluru: Noise pollution levels in Bengaluru have been increasing by the year and are above standard limits for most of the day, according to data recorded by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). 

The mean noise level at the monitoring station around Nimhans — a silent zone — increased from 52.1dB in February 2024 to 67.7dB in February 2025. A similar situation played out at the monitoring station in another silent zone – RVCE, Mysuru Road. 

Silent zones are areas that fall within a 100-metre radius of hospitals, schools, colleges and courts. 

The data clearly showed that the noise levels breached the standard acceptable levels in all the zones – silent, residential and commercial, except the industrial zone. 

KSPCB officials attributed the increase in noise pollution levels to increasing vehicular movement and the rise in construction activities. 

“If you notice, the noise levels in industrial areas have remained low since we can identify the source and serve notices to stop pollution. However, in other areas, the high noise levels are mostly due to vehicular movement and increasing construction activities. Hence, it is difficult impose curbs,” a senior official said. 

Only data, no action: Activists

While the data clearly indicates that noise levels in Bengaluru need to be brought under control, no one agency takes the responsibility for controlling it. 

Many residents told DH that they do not know whom to complain in case a construction site is causing excessive noise, especially during nights or when vehicle horns are modified to cause pollution. 

“At least in case of horns, I guess we could reach out to the traffic police but otherwise we don’t really know where to complain,” said Suhas R, a resident of Rajajinagar. 

Rajkumar Dugar, a mobility activist, said that none of the agencies was taking the responsibility to act upon this. 

“While KSPCB records data, it hardly takes any action. Neither does the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) nor the Transport Department. There is no accountability in this regard,” he noted. 

However, KSPCB said it was trying to control noise levels but stressed behavioural changes in motorists was crucial. 

“In areas where pubs or such establishments cause noise, we serve notices and bring it under control. However, honking is a problem and this requires behavioural changes. We are trying to create awareness and bring down unnecessary honking on roads,” said Lingaraja S S, Member Secretary, KSPCB. 

However, Dugar said officials had also failed to check modified horns in vehicles such as shrill horns and multi-tone horns.