A Comparative Study between Pre-construction and Construction Phases of Champhai-Zokhawthar Road Construction, Mizoram: Air Quality and Noise Quality Assessments

Abstract

In recent years, Mizoram has made immense progress in various sectors and initiated developmental programmes for its economic growth. An important contributing factor to this development and growth is the transport connectivity projects. Although connectivity projects can boost economic growth, its negative effects cannot be neglected. In view of this, the present research studies the impacts of Champhai – Zokhawthar road construction on the air quality and noise quality of the region. This comparative study of the impact on the quality of air and noise pollution in the pre-construction phase and construction phase provide a clear-cut example of the negative impacts caused by road construction and provide a fresh outlook for formulation of improved management plans. Air quality assessment was carried out using High Volume Air Sampler and the following parameters were monitored – suspended particulate matter (SPM), respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). The results indicate that mean SPM concentration was increased by 22.82 µg/m3; RSPM concentration by 14.67 µg/m3; NO2 concentration by 4.08 µg/m3; and SO2 concentration was increased by 0.06 µg/m3 from the pre-construction phase to construction phase. Noise quality assessment was carried out at three sites – Zotlang, Melbuk and Zokhawthar by using Lutron SL-4001 Sound Level Meter and Leq, Lmax and Lmin were recorded and calculated. The mean noise level at Zotlang wasincreased by 8.72 dB (A) and at Melbuk the mean noise level was increased by 9.35 dB (A). However, at Zokhawthar, there was a decrease in mean noise level by 0.13 dB (A). From the present study, it is evident that road construction poses a threat to the air quality and noise quality of the study area and improved measuresneed to betaken to curb its negative impacts