Using loudspeakers for selling goods in residential areas have seen an upswing in recent months, leading to higher levels of noise and resultant problems for residents.
By Faizan Aishae
The increase in facilities and techniques and the concept of ‘everything at your doorstep’ has come with some severe issues with it. Living in the 21st century and not planting a single tree to lower various kinds of noise pollution but trying new ways to create it instead is another level of disaster. Street vendors have founded one such way to create noise and unnecessary sounds by using megaphones and loudspeakers.
Often elderly and patients suffering from different ailments have a very low tolerance for noise pollution, even if it is within the permissible range. We may soon see patients return with symptoms of stress induced by noise off late.
Using loudspeakers for selling goods in residential areas have seen an upswing in recent months, leading to higher levels of noise and resultant problems for residents. They do it to attract the attention of the people. Ranging from vegetable sellers to cloth merchants, scrap collectors to pickle vendors, all have started using this common technique to lure the masses through a public address system announcing the variety of commodities they are selling, their quality, and related rates.
The usage of loudspeakers for business purposes by mobile vendors has added to the increased noise pollution in the residential areas known for their tranquility. Locals have now started to complain to the authorities because of the kind of business activity near the houses. They are using loudspeakers flouting all the norms of residential areas to sell their goods while residents quietly take refuge in their homes during the scorching summer season.
The usage of loudspeakers for business purposes by the mobile vendors has added to the increased noise pollution in the residential areas known for their tranquillity.
In a few cases, the vendors use transport vehicles like Piaggio and Apache autos that produce significant engine noise, and while moving, they honk unwarrantedly, worsening the situation further. When these autos get into the streets, the peaceful ambiance is overpowered by their high decibel noise, and the high-pitch vibrations of autos are a cause of irritating to people. Due to this, doctors witness more noise-induced sleeplessness and anxiety, and many have taken to social media to complain about the issue.
Often elderly and patients suffering from different ailments have a very low tolerance for noise pollution, even if it is within the permissible range. We may soon see patients return with symptoms of stress induced by noise off late.
During my preparation for a medical entrance, I used to witness daily almost five street vendors along with those megaphones on the roof of their vehicles. The moment I focused on a topic was when I used to hear an annoying sound from outside which read the names of different commodities, and I used to lose concentration.
I humbly request concerned authorities make some provisions for such vendors to sell their goods once a week in a selected colony through makeshift arrangements for the ease of residents.
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