Kabul Residents Complain of Noise Pollution from Street Vendors and Taliban Patrols

Residents of Kabul report severe noise pollution disrupting daily life, primarily from street vendors using loudspeakers to advertise goods like scrap metal, old tires, and bread, as well as Taliban patrol motorcycles playing music.

Locals say the sounds, which have no fixed schedule, prevent rest, studying, and routine activities, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and patients. Ahmad, a Kabul resident, described the noise as overwhelming after work, exacerbating health issues and calling on the Taliban to control vendors, traffic, water sellers, and generators.

Samira said the vendors' announcements hinder her online classes, while Javid noted heightened noise in densely populated areas near the airport and industrial zones, suggesting soundproofing in construction and tree planting to mitigate it.

Rashid Amin argued that noise pollution harms urban culture from crowds, vehicles, and hammering, urging residents to respect others' peace. Safiullah highlighted citywide issues including incessant horns, drivers soliciting passengers, and construction machinery, even in markets.

Residents emphasize that while vending supports livelihoods, excessive loudspeaker use, combined with urban traffic and generators, has made city life unbearable.