Nagpur: In a first for the city, an in-depth scientific study to assess the health effects of vehicular noise pollution is being carried out at ten locations.
After conducting noise mapping in 27 cities of the state, the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) have initiated the study to monitor and assess noise pollution with respect to number of vehicles, frequency of honking and speed.
The locations are Itwari, Dharampeth, Sitabuldi, Indora Square, Trimurti Nagar, Hasanbagh Road, Wardha Road, Rameshwari Road, Vitthal Nagar (near Manewada) and Dattatrey Nagar.
According to the scientists, the ten locations were selected based on the findings of noise mapping. “In Nagpur, we had monitored decibel levels at around 55 locations out of which, these ten turned out to be the noisiest,” said Ritesh Vijay, principal scientist and head of Mumbai zonal centre, adding that the study kick-started in the first week of January.
The locations include commercial areas, residential areas and major and minor roads. At each location, the monitoring is being done for 48 hours — 24 working hours and 24 non-working hours (Saturday and Sunday). “For one location, we are recording 1.72 lakh readings,” said Vijay.
Highlighting the aim of the research, the scientist stated that the focus will be on quantifying the level of decibels with vehicular traffic. “After we completed the noise mapping, the Bombay bench of high court further directed to conduct a more in-depth study to know the impact of traffic noise on human health. In this study, we are specifically quantifying the pollution in terms of noise emitted from honking and different vehicles with different speed,” said Vijay.
A similar study was carried out in Mumbai at 15 locations. The decibel levels have been recorded and are being analysed now.
In March 2017, TOI had reported about noise mapping study which was conducted in Nagpur, Amravati, Akola and Chandrapur. While hearing a public interest litigation on breach of noise pollution norms, the Bombay high court had asked the state government to file a detailed reply following which the agencies had proposed the idea of statewide noise mapping.
Recently, Neeri completed the country’s first noise pollution monitoring using bicycles. Launched in 10 cities of the state, the study focused on “real-time mapping”. Nagpur’s monitoring revealed that noise pollution levels were breaching the permissible decibel marks all across the city.
NOISE MAP
In-depth scientific study to assess health impact of vehicular noise pollution
Being conducted at 10 noisiest locations in the city
Monitoring being done for 48 hours — 24 working and 24 non-working
For every location, 1.72 lakh readings being monitored and analysed
Similar study done in Mumbai
After conducting noise mapping in 27 cities of the state, the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) have initiated the study to monitor and assess noise pollution with respect to number of vehicles, frequency of honking and speed.
The locations are Itwari, Dharampeth, Sitabuldi, Indora Square, Trimurti Nagar, Hasanbagh Road, Wardha Road, Rameshwari Road, Vitthal Nagar (near Manewada) and Dattatrey Nagar.
According to the scientists, the ten locations were selected based on the findings of noise mapping. “In Nagpur, we had monitored decibel levels at around 55 locations out of which, these ten turned out to be the noisiest,” said Ritesh Vijay, principal scientist and head of Mumbai zonal centre, adding that the study kick-started in the first week of January.
The locations include commercial areas, residential areas and major and minor roads. At each location, the monitoring is being done for 48 hours — 24 working hours and 24 non-working hours (Saturday and Sunday). “For one location, we are recording 1.72 lakh readings,” said Vijay.
Highlighting the aim of the research, the scientist stated that the focus will be on quantifying the level of decibels with vehicular traffic. “After we completed the noise mapping, the Bombay bench of high court further directed to conduct a more in-depth study to know the impact of traffic noise on human health. In this study, we are specifically quantifying the pollution in terms of noise emitted from honking and different vehicles with different speed,” said Vijay.
A similar study was carried out in Mumbai at 15 locations. The decibel levels have been recorded and are being analysed now.
In March 2017, TOI had reported about noise mapping study which was conducted in Nagpur, Amravati, Akola and Chandrapur. While hearing a public interest litigation on breach of noise pollution norms, the Bombay high court had asked the state government to file a detailed reply following which the agencies had proposed the idea of statewide noise mapping.
Recently, Neeri completed the country’s first noise pollution monitoring using bicycles. Launched in 10 cities of the state, the study focused on “real-time mapping”. Nagpur’s monitoring revealed that noise pollution levels were breaching the permissible decibel marks all across the city.
NOISE MAP
In-depth scientific study to assess health impact of vehicular noise pollution
Being conducted at 10 noisiest locations in the city
Monitoring being done for 48 hours — 24 working and 24 non-working
For every location, 1.72 lakh readings being monitored and analysed
Similar study done in Mumbai
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