DHAKA, Aug 10, 2026 (BSS) - Maximum noise levels across all land-use categories in Chattogram district town have dropped compared to previous survey data, according to a recent environmental noise assessment covering 41 strategic locations.

The comprehensive survey, which compares data gathered in 2022-2023 against baseline measurements from 2016-2017, evaluated noise levels across five distinct land-use categories: silent, residential, mixed, commercial, and industrial zones.

The Department of Environment (DoE) conducted the survey on 'noise level measurement in 64 districts town', which was released recently.

While the dip in peak noise limits signals a positive trend in Chattogram city, the survey highlighted a concerning rise in baseline (minimum) noise levels across several sensitive residential and silent areas.

Data from the silent zones revealed that maximum noise levels at all surveyed spots are lower than historical figures. However, the minimum noise levels in the majority of these protected areas have increased. 

Govt City College and Hamjarbagh emerged as the only exceptions in this category, recording minimum noise levels lower than previous findings.

A similar trend was observed in the city's residential neighbourhoods. While peak noise levels dropped across the board, the baseline minimum noise rose in most areas. Residents in Bondor, Shyamoli, CDA Residential Area, and Pahoghata enjoyed a dual relief, as both their maximum and minimum noise levels fell below previous survey benchmarks.

Unlike residential sectors, mixed-use and commercial zones showed widespread improvement in both categories.

In mixed zones, maximum levels decreased everywhere. Most locations also saw a drop in minimum noise, though Kodomtoli, Andorkilla, Alongkar Roundabout, and South Bakalya bucked the trend by registering higher baseline noise.

Peak noise levels decreased uniformly in commercial zones. Minimum noise levels also shrunk across the majority of commercial hubs, with the explicit exceptions of Dewanhat Roundabout, GEC Mor, Dewan Bazar, and the Pahartoli area, where baseline noise remains elevated, according to the survey.

The industrial sector aligned with the citywide trajectory, showing a blanket reduction in maximum noise limits. In terms of baseline performance, Jalalabad (Roufabad) recorded a lower minimum noise level than previous assessments. Conversely, industrial pockets like Monsurabad (Askarabad) and the Orion Group area registered higher baseline noise levels.

Environmentalists note that while the reduction in maximum noise indicates better compliance or management during peak hours, the creeping baseline levels in silent and residential zones demand stricter enforcement of zoning regulations to safeguard public health.

Permissible sound limits set by the DoE are: 50 dB (daytime) and 40 dB (nighttime) in silent zone, 55 dB (daytime) and 45 dB (nighttime) in residential area, 60 db (daytime) and 50 dB (nighttime) in mixed area (residential/commercial/industrial), 70 dB (daytime) and 60 dB (nighttime) in commercial area, and 75 dB (daytime) and 70 dB (nighttime) in industrial area.

Farid Ahmed, director of DoE (Dhaka Metro) and project director, said noise levels measured in 41 locations of Chattogram district town considering the land use category. 

He said the comparison results show that the maximum noise levels of all locations in the silent zone are lower than the previous surveyed data, while the minimum noise levels of most of the locations in silent zone are higher than the previous surveyed data.