Current World Environment

Figure 1: Sampling Location of Kota City Click here to view Figure

Figure 2: Research Methodology Adopted in this Research Work. Click here to view Figure

Noise Pollution Standards

In India, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 were framed. These are a set of guidelines for noise control and regulation. Table 1 shows the acceptable ambient noise levels for the different areas / zones as per Indian standards while WHO standards for community noise in specific environment is presented in Table 2.

Table 1: The Central Pollution Control Board Guidelines for Noise Pollution in India are as follow:^6,22,23

Noise Pollution Descriptors

To determine noise pollution levels in the city, different noise descriptors were estimated with the help of Gaussian percentile. Noise descriptors such as L₁₀, L₅₀, L₉₀, L_max, and L_min, were computed by the recorded levels of noise and these variables are utilized for the analysis of NC (Noise Climate), L_eq (Equivalent Noise Level) and L_np (Noise Pollution Level).²⁵ The noise pollution indices were determined using the following formulas:








Where, NC is Noise Climate; L10 is the noise level that crosses 10 percent of total observation time or Peak Noise Level. L50 is the noise level that crosses 50% of the overall sampling time. L90 is the amount of sound that exceeds 90% of the total observation time or the level of background or residual noise. Leq is the continuous level of noise, and Lnp is the level of noise pollution. t1 to tn are the real exposure limit at the respective noise levels, and T1 to Tn are the allowable exposure limit at the very same noise levels. If the measured NEI value is more than 1, then the level of noise exposure is considered excessive.

Results

A.    Commercial Area

The following results in the form of graphs have been generated from the 24 days study for sampling locations viz. Aerodrome Circle, Kotri Circle, Sabjimandi, and Gumanpura.

Figure 3: Noise Pollution Indices for Aerodrome Circle. Click here to view Figure

Figure 4: Noise Pollution Indices for Kotri Circle. Click here to view Figure

Figure 5: Noise Pollution Indices for Sabjimandi. Click here to view Figure

Figure 6: Noise Pollution Indices for Gumanpura. Click here to view Figure

The following results in the form of graphs have been generated from the 24 days study for sampling locations viz. Dadwara, Keshavpura, Talwandi and, Jawahar Nagar

Figure 7: Noise Pollution Indices for Dadwara. Click here to view Figure

Figure 8: Noise Pollution Indices for Keshavpura. Click here to view Figure

Figure 9: Noise Pollution Indices for Talwandi. Click here to view Figure

Figure 10: Noise Pollution Indices for Jawahar Nagar. Click here to view Figure

C.      Silence Zone

The following results in the form of graphs have been generated from the 24 days study for sampling locations viz. RICCO Institutional Area, Ranpur, MBS Hospital (Nayapura), and Antaghar Circle I.L. Circle:

Figure 11: Noise Pollution Indices for RICCO Institutional Area, Ranpur. Click here to view Figure

Figure 12: Noise Pollution Indices for MBS Hospital, Nayapura. Click here to view Figure

Figure 13: Noise Pollution Indices for Antaghar Circle. Click here to view Figure

Figure 14: Noise Pollution Indices for I.L. Circle. Click here to view Figure

D.      Industrial Area

The following results in the form of graphs have been generated from the 24 days study for sampling locations viz. KSTPS, RICCO Industrial Area (Ranpur), Chambal Industrial Area, and Indraprastha Industrial Area:

Figure 15: Noise Pollution Indices for Kota Super Thermal Power Station. Click here to view Figure

Figure 16: Noise Pollution Indices for RICCO Industrial Area, Ranpur. Click here to view Figure

Figure 17: Noise Pollution Indices for Chambal Industrial Area. Click here to view Figure

Figure 18: Noise Pollution Indices for Indraprastha Industrial Area. Click here to view Figure

Table 3: Noise Climate and Noise Exposure Index Data for Kota Metropolis during Observation Period. Click here to view Table

Discussion

A. Commercial Area

Figure 3, 4, 5, and 6 shows the average noise pollution indices viz. L_eq, L_np, L₁₀, L₅₀ and L₉₀ for the commercial zone/area in the day-time from 6 am to 10 pm. It evidently showed that the range of L_eq is between 77.98 – 82.62 dB(A). The maximum L_eq was recorded at Aerodrome Circle [82.62 dB(A)] between 5:00–6:00 pm, while at Kotri Circle between 6:00–7:00 am, it was the minimum [77.98 dB(A)]. The L_eq measured in the daytime was greater than 70 dB(A) and 65 dB(A)) in this zone, which exceeded the maximum standards limits of WHO and CPCB respectively. Figure 19 presents the comparison of equivalent noise level (L_eq) with Indian and WHO standards regarding to community noise.

Figure 19: The Comparison of Leq Noise Level with WHO and Indian Standards for Commercial Zone. Click here to view Figure

The range of L₁₀ for Commercial zone is between 79.4 – 84.1 dB(A), having highest L₁₀ value 84.1 dB(A) at Aerodrome Circle between 5:00–6:00 pm, and having lowest L₁₀ value 79.4 dB(A) at Kotri Circle between 7:00–8:00 am during the observation period.

Similarly, the range of L₉₀ is between 74.8 – 81.4 dB(A), having highest L₉₀ value 81.4 dB(A) at Gumanpura Three-way between 8:00–9:00 pm, and having the lowest L₉₀ value 74.8 dB(A) at Kotri Circle between 7:00–8:00 am. The L_np takes into consideration the indices of both NC and L_eq. It provides wide information regarding to noise pollution, with fluctuations in noise level. It regarded as the best indicator of the psychological and physiological effects of noise.

The highest L_np observed 86.66 dB(A) between 8:00–9:00 pm at Aerodrome Circle and the minimum was 81.74 dB(A) between 1:00–2:00 pm at Subjimandi Circle. The range of L_np is in between 81.74 – 86.66 dB(A). The data for NC and NEI in Table 3 shown for all the four studied zones of Kota city.

NC indicates more considerable changes in noise levels in the educational sector. The maximum NC = 6.2 between 6:00–7:00 pm at Kotri Circle, and the minimum NC = 1.6 between 9:00–10:00 pm was measured at Gumanpura Three-way. In the commercial sector, the value of NEI always seen over 1 in this observation period. These values are higher than the American National Standard (ANS) 1, indicating more significant noise in the commercial sector.

B. Residential Area

Figure 7, 8, 9, and 10 shows the average noise pollution indices viz. L_eq, L_np, L₁₀, L₅₀ and L₉₀ for the Residential zone/area in the day-time from 6 am to 10 pm. It evidently showed that the maximum L_eq was recorded at [82.95 dB(A)]. between 9:00–10:00 pm at Jawahar Nagar, while at 6:00–7:00 am, it was the minimum [74.48 dB(A)] at Dadwara. The L_eq measured in the daytime was greater than 55 dB(A) in this zone, which exceeded the maximum standards limits of WHO and CPCB. Figure 20 presents the comparison of equivalent noise level (L_eq) with Indian and WHO standards regarding to community noise.

Figure 20: The Comparison of Leq Noise Level with WHO and Indian Standards for Residential Zone. Click here to view Figure

The range of L₁₀ for Commercial zone is between 75.1 – 84.1 dB(A), having highest L₁₀ value 84.1 dB(A) at Keshavpura Circle between 7:00–8:00 pm, and having lowest L₁₀ value 75.1 dB(A) at Dadwara between 6:00–7:00 am during the observation period.

Similarly, the range of L₉₀ is between 72.9 – 82.3 dB(A), having highest L₉₀ value 82.3 dB (A) at Dadwara between 6:00–7:00 pm, and having the lowest L₉₀ value 72.9 dB(A) at Keshavpura Circle between 6:00–7:00 am. The range of L_eq is between 74.48 – 82.95 dB(A).

The highest L_np observed 87.46 dB(A) at Talwandi Circle between 6:00–7:00 pm, and the Lowest was 76.06 dB(A) between 6:00–7:00 am at Dadwara. The range of L_np is in between 76.06 – 87.46. The calculate data for NC and NEI in Table 3 shown for all the four studied zones of Kota city.

NC presents more considerable changes in noise levels in the educational sector. The maximum NC = 5.1 between 9:00–10:00 am at Talwandi Circle, and the minimum NC = 1.1 between 9:00–10:00 pm was measured at Dadwara. In the Residential Area/Zone, the value of NEI always seen over 1 in this observation period. These values are higher than the American National Standard (ANS) 1, indicating more significant noise in the residential zone/area.

C. Silence Zone

Figure 11, 12, 13, and 14 shows the average noise pollution indices viz. L_eq, L_np, L₁₀, L₅₀ and L₉₀ for the Silence zone/area in the day-time from 6 am to 10 pm. It evidently showed that the maximum L_eq was recorded [82.84 dB(A)] between 9:00–10:00 pm at Antaghar circle, while at 9:00–10:00 am, it was the minimum [66.12 dB(A)] at RICCO Institutional Area, Ranpur. The L_eq measured in the daytime was greater than 55 dB(A) and 50 dB(A) in this zone, which exceeded the maximum standards limits of WHO and CPCB respectively. Figure 21 presents the comparison of equivalent noise level (L_eq) with Indian and WHO standards regarding to community noise.

Figure 21: The Comparison of Leq Noise Level with WHO and Indian Standards for Silence Zone. Click here to view Figure

The range of L₁₀ for Silence Zone is between 67.9 – 84.9 dB(A), having highest L₁₀ value 84.9 dB(A) at I.L. Circle between 4:00–5:00 pm, and having lowest L₁₀ value 67.9 dB(A) at RICCO Institutional Area, Ranpur between 2:00–3:00 pm during the observation period.

Similarly, the range of L₉₀ is between 62.1 – 81.3 dB(A), having highest L₉₀ value 81.3 dB(A) at Antaghar circle between 9:00–10:00 pm, and having the lowest L₉₀ value 62.1 dB(A) at RICCO Institutional Area, Ranpur between 6:00–7:00 am. The range of Leq is between 66.12 – 82.84 dB(A). The L_np takes into consideration the indices of both NC and L_eq.

The highest L_np observed 88.27dBA between 9:00–10:00 am at I.L. Circle, and the minimum was 69.64 dBA between 2:00–3:00 pm at RICCO Institutional Area, Ranpur. The range of L_np is in between 69.64–88.27. The calculated data for NC and NEI in Table 3 presented for all the four studied zones of Kota city.

NC shows more considerable changes in noise levels in the educational sector. The maximum NC = 11.8 between 7:00–8:00 am at RICCO Institutional Area, Ranpur, and the minimum NC = 1.6 between 7:00–8:00 am was measured at I.L. Circle. In the Silence Zone/Area, the value of NEI always seen over 1 in this observation period. These values are higher than the American National Standard (ANS) 1, indicating more significant noise in the commercial sector.

D. Industrial Area

Figure 15, 16, 17, and 18 shows the average noise pollution indices viz. L_eq, L_np, L₁₀, L₅₀ and L₉₀ for the Industrial Area in the daytime from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. It evidently showed that the maximum L_eq was recorded at Chambal Industrial Area [82.84 dB(A)] between 9:00–10:00 pm, while at 11:00–12:00 am, it was the minimum [77.33 dB(A)] at RICCO Industrial Area. The L_eq measured in the daytime was greater than 70 dB(A) and 75 dB(A) in this zone, which exceeded the maximum standards limits of WHO and CPCB respectively. Figure 22 presents the comparison of equivalent noise level (L_eq) with Indian and WHO standards regarding to community noise.

Figure 22: The Comparison of Leq Noise Level with WHO and Indian Standards for Industrial Zone. Click here to view Figure

The range of L₁₀ Industrial Area is between 79.1 – 84.6 dB(A), having highest L₁₀ value 84.6 dB(A) at Chambal Industrial Area between 9:00–10:00 pm, and having lowest L₁₀ value 79.1 dB(A) at RICCO Industrial Area between 6:00–7:00 am during the observation period.

Similarly, the range of L₉₀ is between 74.9 – 81.3dB(A), having highest L₉₀ value 81.3 dB(A) at Chambal Industrial Area between 9:00–10:00 pm, and having the lowest L₉₀ value 74.9 dB(A) at RICCO Industrial Area between 5:00–6:00 pm. The range of L_eq is between 77.33 – 82.84 dB(A). The L_np takes into consideration the indices of both NC and L_eq.

The highest L_np observed 89.64 dBA between 9:00–10:00 pm at RICCO Industrial Area and the minimum was 80.22 dB(A) between 7:00–8:00 am at KSTPS. The range of L_np is in between 80.22 – 89.64. The calculated data for NC and NEI in Table 3 shown for all the four studied areas of Kota city.

NC presents more considerable changes in noise levels in the educational sector. The maximum NC = 7.8 between 9:00–10:00 pm at RICCO Industrial Area, and the minimum NC = 1.3 between 9:00–10:00 pm was measured at Indraprastha Industrial Area. In the Industrial Area/Zone, the value of NEI always seen over 1 in this observation period. These values are higher than the American National Standard (ANS) 1, indicating more significant noise in the commercial sector.

Discussion

The equivalent sound pressure level (L_eq) were observed well above the prescribed Environmental Noise Standards depending upon their area of classification given by CPCB, Delhi in India (Table 1). It is cleared that the equivalent sound pressure level (L_eq) for day time was found in between 65-85 dB for all sampling locations except that RICCO Institutional area, Ranpur. It is due to the fact that it is situated outside of Kota city (17 KM away). The Sources which are responsible for high noise levels in the city include vehicular traffic, electrical appliances, music system and TV public address systems, neighborhood, railway and rarely air traffic, and generating sets. Main concern is vehicular traffic in all above mentioned sources.

Characteristically, noise pollution affects the rich and the poor alike. Some efforts that can be made in order to reduce noise pollution in urban environment of Kota city is:

1. Promote the use of public transport rather than individual vehicles.
2. Provide facility to park vehicles in a community parking mall.
3. Parking of vehicles should be prohibited on the along the roads. It will also reduce traffic jam situations in the city.
4. Increase the width of the roads where it can be possible.
5. Make more overpass and underpass in the busiest area of the City.
6. Improvements in the design of vehicles and their components, including low noise tyres, brake-blocks, train wheels.
7. Infrastructure improvements, including low noise road surfaces and train lines.
8. Urban development that restricts encroachment near busy highways, railways or airports, and rules on building site, architecture and acoustic efficiency.
1. Traffic management strategies, including controlling the speed of road vehicles, and traffic calming.
10. Increase roadside vegetation (Reduce 4 dB = 40% acoustic energy).
11. Use effective Noise Barriers (Location & Surface Area dependent).

1. Al-tammer KKALAAM. Analysis and Assessment of Noise Pollution in Libraries. 2018;(March).
2. Goldsmith JR, Jonsson E. Health effects of community noise. Am J Public Health. 1973;63(9):782-793. doi:10.2105/AJPH.63.9.782.
   CrossRef
3. Dasarathy AK. Noise Pollution : Causes , Mitigation and Control Measures for Attenuation. 2015;(March):136. doi:10.1007/s004210050211.
   CrossRef
4. Gupta S, Ghatak C. Environmental noise assessment and its effect on human health in an urban area. Int J Environ Sci. 2011;1(7):1954-1964.
5. El-Sharkawy M, Alsubaie A. Study of environmental noise pollution in the university of dammam campus. Saudi J Med Med Sci. 2014;2(3):178. doi:10.4103/1658-631x.142532.
   CrossRef
6. Sudarsan JS, Nithiyanantham S. Causes, Impact of Noises with Remedies in Rathinamangalam, Tamilnadu, India. Int J Recent Technol Eng. 2019;8(4S2):123-126. doi:10.35940/ijrte.d1029.1284s219.
   CrossRef
7. Wawa EA, Mulaku GC. Noise Pollution Mapping Using GIS in Nairobi, Kenya. J Geogr Inf Syst. 2015;07(05):486-493. doi:10.4236/jgis.2015.75039.
   CrossRef
8. Pantawane RN, Maske K V, Kawade NS. Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health. Published online 2017:2393-2395. doi:10.17148/IARJSET.
   CrossRef
9. Organization WH. Burden of Disease from Environmental Noise. Published online 2011:128.
10. Kumar KVD, Srinivas N. Study of Noise Levels at Traffic Density Areas in. Int J Eng Res Technol. 2014;3(11):783-786.
11. Mondal N, Ghatak B. Vulnerability of school children exposed to traffic noise. Int J Environ Health Eng. 2014;3(1):24. doi:10.4103/2277-9183.139739.
    CrossRef
12. Registered V, The AT, Of END, Year F. REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES IN RAJASTHAN REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES IN RAJASTHAN STATE. 2018;(1204005):1-2.
13. Singh B, Choudhary MP. Evaluation of noise levels and ascertaining noise indices in an Urbanizing City of Kota, Rajasthan, India. Nat Environ Pollut Technol. 2017;16(3):935-938.
14. Singh PK, Gupta RK, Kumar V, Mishra MAK. a Comparative Study of Ambient Noise Levels At Commercial , Residential and Silent Zone in Gorakhpur. Published online 2016:774-778.
15. Oni OO, Adetimirin OI, Ajibade SA, Kolade KR. Noise vulnerability mapping using geospatial technique in part of Ibadan north east local government area. World Sci News. 2016;52:143-161.
16. Oloruntoba EO, Ademola RA, Sridhar MKC, et al. Urban environmental noise pollution and perceived health effects in Ibadan, Nigeria. African J Biomed Res. 2012;15(2):77-84.
17. Thakre C, Laxmi V, Vijay R, Killedar DJ, Kumar R. Traffic noise prediction model of an Indian road: an increased scenario of vehicles and honking. Environ Sci Pollut Res. Published online 2020. doi:10.1007/s11356-020-09923-6.
    CrossRef
18. Sawant SN, Bhave PP. Assessment and Impact of Indoor Noise Pollution. 2014;8354(3):72-78.
19. Aluko E, Nna V. Impact of Noise Pollution on Human Cardiovascular System. Int J Trop Dis Heal. 2015;6(2):35-43. doi:10.9734/ijtdh/2015/13791.
    CrossRef
20. Ahmed S, Ismail S. Noise Pollution, Its Sources and Effecrs: A Case Study of University Students in Delhi. EPRA Int J Econ Bus Rev. 2018;6(2):15-23.
21. Instruments H. HTC SL1350 SL1352 Digital Sound Level Meter.pdf. :1. doi:https://htcinstrument.com/sl-1350.html.
22. Ministry of Environment and forest. the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. 2000;12311(1110):1088-1569. http://cpcb.nic.in/divisionsofheadoffice/pci2/noise_rules_2000.pdf.
23. CPCB (Ministry of Environment & Forests G. Noise Pollution Regulation in India.; 2001. http://cpcbenvis.nic.in/scanned reports/PCL 6 Noise Pollution Regulations in India.pdf.
24. Birgitta Berglnd, Thomas Lindvall DHS. Guidelines For Community Noise.; 1999. doi:https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/66217.
25. Laxmi V, Dey J, Kalawapudi K, Vijay R, Kumar R. An innovative approach of urban noise monitoring using cycle in Nagpur, India. Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2019;26(36):36812-36819. doi:10.1007/s11356-019-06817-0.
    CrossRef