Kathmandu— Across China, a growing number of cities are tackling the increasing noise pollution that accompanies rapid urbanization through a national initiative launched in May 2023. The program focuses on building “quiet communities,” which combine physical soundproofing measures – like installing sound-absorbing materials and double-glazed windows – with local management and mediation efforts to address disputes before they escalate. By the end of 2025, over 3,272 quiet communities had been established nationwide, benefiting more than 2.4 million households, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

Addressing a Growing Problem

As Chinese cities expand, residential areas are increasingly situated near sources of noise such as roads, businesses, construction sites, and recreational spaces. In 2023, cities at the prefecture level and above received approximately 6.83 million noise-related complaints, with 73.2 percent stemming from disturbances in daily life. Common issues included noise from neighbors, malfunctioning equipment, and popular group exercises like square dancing. Shi Jikun, a 72-year-old resident of Yuxi in Yunnan Province, recalled how the noise from a nearby sports venue previously disrupted his daily routine before soundproofing measures were implemented.

A Multifaceted Approach

The “quiet community” program isn’t simply about reducing decibel levels; it's about creating harmonious living environments. Lu Lu, deputy head of the noise management division at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, explained that the goal is to balance everyday activity with residents’ need for quiet. Solutions vary by location, with some new residential communities in Shenzhen incorporating noise control into their initial planning stages through features like low-noise pavements and vegetation buffers. Older communities are undergoing renovations, such as replacing aging elevators and repairing public facilities, as seen in Xiaoshan District of Hangzhou.

Mediation and Proactive Management

Physical upgrades alone aren’t enough to resolve conflicts; community engagement is crucial. In Weihai, Shandong Province, residents, property managers, community officials, and square-dancing groups reached an agreement to end dancing by 8:30 p.m., signaled by the switching off of lights in public squares. Jiang Chunyan, head of a neighborhood committee, emphasized the importance of responding quickly to complaints and providing avenues for negotiation. In Shenzhen, property managers are proactively managing renovation noise using visual charts to track progress and ensure contractors adhere to designated hours and enclosed work conditions.

Challenges and Future Plans

Despite its success, the quiet-community program faces challenges regarding regional coverage and long-term maintenance. Currently, projects are concentrated in a few cities, with less development in older neighborhoods and western China. Maintaining noise-control measures after initial upgrades also presents difficulties. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment plans to integrate quiet-community development into its 2026-2030 noise pollution prevention plan, emphasizing regular inspections and follow-up visits. Officials like Zheng Shanshan of Hangzhou envision expanding noise management beyond individual communities through the use of sound-environment maps.

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment hopes to expand these initiatives further, creating more quiet spaces across Chinese cities and establishing a comprehensive approach to urban noise pollution.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.