National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network

National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network

Why it Matters? 

  • Urban noise pollution in Indian cities exceeds permissible limits, threatening public health, mental well-being, and biodiversity. Despite the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000 and the National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network, enforcement is weak.  

What You Should Know? 

  • The National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN) was launched by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2011. 

  • The network uses real-time monitoring stations installed in cities with populations over 1 million. 

  • The initial phase covered seven major cities: Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Lucknow. 

  • Currently, there are 70 stations in 26 cities across 10 states and 1 UT. 

  • Data is used to check compliance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.