Assessment of Traffic Noise Pollution in Banepa, A Semi Urban Town of Nepal

Abstract

Noise pollution is an interfering air-pollutant which possesses both auditory and a host of non-auditory effects on the exposed population. Since there is no medicine to cure hearing loss prevention to overt exposure is the only alternative left. The study reports community noise levels measured during day time in a fast developing semi-urban area of Nepal. The noise levels were measured following standard procedure using calibrated sound pressure level meter at many places predominated by both commercial and residential tenements at Banepa town particularly reflecting motor vehicular traffic prone areas. A small exercise of nose generated by different vehicles that frequent on the arterial roads has also been carried out. To delineate the perception about the noise and its significance on health of community a representative sample of public has been interviewed using a questionnaire. The results indicate high noise levels, surpassing on many occasions to the prescribed levels. Overall minimum and maximum noise levels for the Main Road are 60.1dB (A) and 110.2 dB (A). Bus parks and Bus stops had minimum and maximum noise levels were 63.9 dB (A) and 110.2dB (A). The picture near residential tenements also had substantial levels of noise, a minimum of 59.11dB (A). The noise levels produced by different motor vehicles ranged from 121 to 91.2 dB(A), which was substantial. The study observes motor vehicles as main source in the town. The perception survey indicate high prevalence of head aches, lack of concentration, sleep. Since levels lie much above the prescribed limits there is am imminent health risk to the exposed population and the study suggests control measures to be instituted on a priority. Key words: Environment; noise pollution; health hazard; sub-urban; Nepal DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v3i2.2891 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.3, No.2, August 2007, pp 12-20