Archive · 2 Jun 2025
Delhi's Damaged Noise Barriers Fail, Causing Noise Pollution
Imagine big walls built to block the loud sounds of cars and trucks on busy roads.
These walls, called noise barriers, are supposed to make it quieter for people living nearby.
But in Delhi, these walls are broken and missing parts, making them not work so well.
This means the noise from the road is still very loud.
The people who live there say it's hard to sleep, and it feels like their homes are on a busy railway track.
Experts say the walls weren't built strong enough, and the materials used aren't the best at blocking noise.
They suggest better materials and designs are needed to fix the problem.
Damaged noise barriers on Delhi's Outer Ring Road are ineffective due to lack of maintenance.
The barriers are missing sections and are visually unappealing.
Residents report high noise levels impacting their daily lives.
Experts say current designs and materials are not optimal for noise reduction.
The Public Works Department (PWD) plans to repair the barriers.
- Who
- Residents, PWD, and Experts.
- What
- Damaged noise barriers are failing to block traffic noise.
- When
- Barriers installed a few years back; current state of disrepair.
- Where
- Outer Ring Road in Delhi.
- Why
- Lack of maintenance, theft, and ineffective design.
Residents & Experts
PWD & Authorities
Effectiveness of Noise Barriers
Residents & Experts
Residents and experts emphasize the barriers are ineffective and poorly maintained, contributing to noise pollution.
PWD & Authorities
PWD acknowledges the issues and states they are working on repairs and maintenance.
Material and Design of Barriers
Residents & Experts
Experts suggest current materials and designs are inadequate for effective noise reduction.
PWD & Authorities
PWD uses multiwall polycarbonate sheets, which are not the best choice.
- Location
- Outer Ring Road, Delhi
- Issue
- Damaged Noise Barriers
- Estimated Cost of Installation
- Rs 40–50 lakh
- Material Used
- Multiwall polycarbonate sheets
- Expert Recommendation
- Use PMMA for better noise reduction