Assessment of Noise Levels in Different Residential, Industrial and Commercial Areas of Jammu City, India

Abstract

Due to the contemporary mechanical lifestyle noise has been one of the most unwanted by-products. To assess the noise levels in different locations of Jammu city, a study was conducted twice a day i.e., day (6 – 9am) and night (9 pm – 6 am). The present study deals with assessment of noise pollution in different residential, commercial and Industrial areas of Jammu city. The noise level was measured with the help of sound meter (SL 4010) at different locations of Jammu south, north east and west from (June 2016 to May 2017). During the studyperiod, the average noise intensity at various residential sites ranges between 49.8 Leq dB (A) to 68.5Leq dB (A) during day time whereas during the night time ambient noise level ranges between 39.66 dB to 57.3 dB. The results clearly demonstrate that the noise quality at those areas is beyond the permissible limits as specified by Central Pollution Control Board CPCB thus contributing to noise pollution. Moreover, the Leq Max values are also greater than the permissible limits. Major sources of noise pollution are vehicular transport, frequent use of horns in vehicles during the day. Whereas due to traffic jam at night on congested roads and use of loudspeakers and DJ in marriage and banquet halls.