TANGSHAN, Hebei - A soft drink manufacturer in the northern China province of Hebei has been convicted of making excessive noise, prompting a neighboring farmer to kill himself two years ago.

The People's Court of Qian'an City, where the company is located, ruled last week it must compensate the victim's family 13,495 yuan (US$1,626) and immediately stop the noise.

Court investigations show the dispute between Wan Tianlin, the victim, and his neighbour, a private business owner surnamed He, had been going on for eight years, during which time Wan developed a severe neurosis from being constantly awakened in the middle of the night.

The victim's family took the drink maker to court after Wan hanged himself on August 1, 2001.

The court held that the He family should be held responsible for the victim's death, as they had trespassed on the legitimate rights of Wan and his family with noise that had far exceeded the maximum permissible level set by the environmental protection authorities and had been loud enough to impair the victim's health.

Medical experts say the exposure to noise pollution can damage the neural system and lead to hearing loss, neurosis and other mental problems.

China is currently engaged in a program to curb pollution and protect the environment. Many cities have moved noise pollution sources such as heavy industrial enterprises and karaoke bars out of residential areas and set time limits for interior decorating, furnishing and sirens. Fireworks, a traditional highlight on Chinese festive occasions, are being cleared out of urban markets.

In Haikou, capital of the southernmost island province of Hainan, people are encouraged to report noise pollution through a 24-hour hotline. If the noise pollution is found to be serious, the complainants can receive a reward ranging from 100 yuan (US$12) to 200 yuan (US$24). (Xinhua)