In a significant move aimed at tackling noise pollution, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is set to introduce four Continuous Noise Monitoring Stations (CNMS) in Nagpur. This marks the first instance of such technology being deployed in the city, with the CNMS expected to provide real-time noise level data round the clock. The data will be automatically uploaded to the MPCB website, enhancing transparency and accessibility.
The CNMS equipment has been procured, and installation will commence shortly at four designated locations across Nagpur. These locations include the Town Hall in Mahal, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) near IT Park, Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (LIT) at Amravati Road, and the MPCB Office in Civil Lines. These stations will be set up alongside the existing Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) at these sites.
Recognizing the need for effective noise monitoring, MPCB plans to relocate the existing CAAQMS in Town Hall due to increased human activity in the area. The NMC will provide a new location for this purpose, facilitating the relocation of the CNMS as well. The tendering process for CNMS installation is currently ongoing and is expected to conclude soon.
While MPCB currently conducts manual noise monitoring twice a year during major festivals, the CNMS will offer continuous 24×7 monitoring, providing more accurate and comprehensive data. This data will aid researchers and city administrators in understanding and addressing noise pollution effectively.
Moreover, in collaboration with local authorities, the Nagpur police department has implemented a ‘No Honking’ rule to further reduce noise pollution. The continuous data from the CNMS will enable MPCB to monitor compliance with this rule and identify areas requiring improvement to mitigate noise pollution effectively.
Following the installation of the four CNMS, MPCB will continue to monitor the city’s noise levels and identify areas for improvement to curb noise pollution.