One of the most significant types of hazardous pollution which is less observable but is posing a serious challenge to the urban dwellers is noise pollution.

Higher levels of noise are known to cause mental fatigue, irritation, severe psychological dilemmas and other health hazards. Young people are entering their 20s with the hearing capability of persons between the ages of 60 and 69. Our cities may also not be far behind.

Among the first category, notable are transportation, automobiles, manufacturing, construction work etc. controllable collectively through measures such a insulation, absorbing materials, proper maintenance of vehicles and equipment, personal protection (e.g. ear plugs) and legal checks. The second type of noise pollutants like pressure horns, musical horns and loudspeakers, though legally prohibited, continue to be used extensively by individuals. In a city like Chandigarh inspite of a high level of literacy, drivers are yet to demonstrate patience while on roads.

Most of the times blowing of horns at the full pitch is absolutely uncalled for, especially near hospitals, schools etc. The deliberate honking by the rustic bus-drivers and eve-teasers trying to attract a woman driver often proves fatal for the latter. Another frequent noise pollutant in Chandigarh is the loud-speaker extensively used at social occasions such as Jagratas, marriages, etc. both at residential premises as well as at places of worship. The discomfort created by loud-speakers has absolutely no justification mainly because this constitutes a conscious effort on the part of a person or an institution to encroach upon the liberty of others.