Noise Monitoring and Mapping for Some Pre-selected Locations of New Delhi, India

TLDR

Road traffic is a primary source of urban noise pollution, and systematic noise measurements and surveys are essential to understand this complex problem. This study aims to monitor and map noise levels at selected sites in New Delhi, India. The authors calculated noise climate and pollution indices and visualized them as cartographic maps for easy interpretation. The monitoring revealed that Ashram recorded the highest levels (67.4–82.3 dB A), all sites exceeded permissible limits, and most locations were persistently exposed to noise above 80 dB both vertically and horizontally.

Abstract

Road traffic is one of the major sources of noise pollution in urban areas. Noise measurements and sound observation surveys, alone or in relationship, can be helpful in understanding the complex problem of noise pollution in urban areas. The main aim of this paper is monitoring and mapping for some pre-selected locations of New Delhi, India. The [Formula: see text], noise climate, and noise pollution levels were calculated, this was further represented in the form of cartographic maps for easy understanding. Result of noise monitoring shows that the values of [Formula: see text] at Ashram ranges from 67.4 dB (A) to 82.3 dB (A) which is maximum of all pre-selected locations. It was found that the noise levels at all pre-selected location has been very high and above the permissible limits. Noise map shows that Ashram is the most affected area, most of the pre-selected locations are severally affected and the areas are in constant exposure of noise up to 80 dB vertically as well as horizontally.