Which act was amended to include noise pollution as air pollution and why ?

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Act**: The act that was amended to include noise pollution as air pollution is the "Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act".

2. **Year of Amendment**: This amendment took place in the year 1987.

3. **Reason for Inclusion**: The inclusion of noise pollution in this act was based on the understanding that noise pollution can have severe impacts on both humans and animals.

4. **Definition of Noise Pollution**: Noise pollution is defined as any noise that is unbearable and has a severe impact on individuals and wildlife. It is characterized by high volumes or irritating sounds.

5. **Relation to Air Pollution**: Noise pollution was categorized as air pollution because the sound waves associated with noise pollution travel through the air. Just like air pollutants can affect health, noise pollution can also lead to serious health issues, including damage to hearing.

6. **Health Impacts**: The amendment emphasizes that noise pollution can severely damage the eardrum and other parts of the ear, highlighting the need for it to be taken as seriously as traditional air pollutants.