Jaipur, India – Lawmakers in the state of Rajasthan, India have mandated the use of PU sound insulation to control industrial noise and vibration. The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) has given businesses one year to comply with the directive.
Naveed Mahajan, the chair of RSPCB told The Times of India: “After detailed deliberation with experts, the State Board, with a perspective to mitigate noise pollution in existing and operational industries, has decided to insist upon [the] use of polyurethane with closed cell of at least 20mm thickness on [the] ground surface of heavy/noise-generating machinery and [diesel generator] sets in the industries. RSPCB is also ensuring incorporation of this condition in all consents to be issued henceforth and giving one year to comply. This initiative would be an effective step to control noise pollution in the industrial sector.”
The state of Rajasthan has seen growth in its heavy industrial sector over recent years. The RSPCB has been concerned about the growing ambient noise in public spaces from heavy industry, and also from construction, traffic, and public address systems.
All businesses affected by the directive have until 28 February 2024 to comply with its terms. Ambient noise is monitored by RSPCB under the auspices of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, which specify that industrial zones may emit a maximum ambient noise level of 75dB (A) during daytime, and 70 dB (A) during night-time.