The law permits sounds up to 55 decibels in residential areas (from 6 am till 10 pm) and up to 45 decibels during the night. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sounds above 85 decibels can cause temporary and permanent damage to human health. Unfortunately, in the past few years, the recorded noise levels in India during the festive season have increased from 110 decibels to 115 decibels in some areas.