Study and Analysis of ‘Traffic Noise Pollution’ in Ahmadabad city
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Abstract
Automobile industry has changed human life making it faster and comfortable. We cannot think modern life without vehicles. However, problems associated with these automobiles are many; one of them is ‘Noise pollution’. Expanding urbanization has posed serious concern of noise pollution globally. In India, this is aggravated on account of demography, indiscipline and limited resources. It is apprehended that projected level of noise pollution may adversely affect human health. Accurate thorough analysis of this problem is therefore necessary to arrive at pragmatic solution. For this, major sources and conditions of noise generation are necessary to be identified and synthesized.
Ahmadabad is a fast growing city of Western India, facing acute traffic problems and as such, noise pollution is also associated. The prime purpose of this study is to measure traffic noise level at selected three prime intersections of Ahmadabad city, categorized on commercial, industrial and residential area. Study is made inclusive adding parameters like speed, honking, traffic volume, characterization of noise, and distance from intersection. Combination of various parameters has been considered affecting noise level. Regression analysis is resorted to correlate the significance of input parameters with respect to noise level using MINITAB software.
The primary measurements were carried out at selected intersections in commercial, residential and industrial areas installing noise meters, cameras with manual monitoring. Noise levels were measured during identified peak times and non-peak hours, in different seasons, using SLM 109 noise meter. Further, parameters were categorized for different types of vehicles, speed, traffic volume and honking. The noise were classified with regards to frequencies and analyzed. Parameters of noise level monitored were Leq, L10, L50, L90, Lmax and Lmin. All the above measurements and observations were then rationally processed using MINITAB analysis.
Prima facie it is found that the traffic noise level is higher than permissible limits fixed by GPCB/CPCB. In all of the classified area of residential, commercial and industrial, the noise level is found to be higher than the permissible limits. Considering the projected population of Ahmadabad city and the growth in number of vehicles, the noise level will exponentially increase and could be detrimental to the health of citizens. It is therefore utmost necessary to check and control all the parameters responsible for noise pollution effectively.
It is found that honking has the paramount effect on noise level. In general, honking of heavy vehicles contributes the most. The insufficient road widths, absurd parking, building heights and traffic volume are mainly responsible for this noise, in addition to the indiscipline and flurry of people.
Speed of vehicles is also a major factor for noise. Analysis on different types of two wheelers, four wheelers and types of fuels shows that noise level is almost directly affect the speed. Optimum speed derived for different types of vehicles would prove advantageous.
Third observation shows that noise level is proportional to the traffic volume. Heavy vehicles and auto rickshaw create more noise than other type of vehicles. However, it is observed that mass communication vehicles like buses can’t be ignored as they are equivalent to about 10 to 15 small vehicles, and thereby may create less noise.
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