A study on ambient and traffic noise pollution in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

The noise levels are increasing beyond the permissible limits at many cities due to rapid urbanization and its related activities. Increased noise levels beyond limits result in reduced work efficiency, loss of hearing, annoyance, psychological impacts. Increased traffic in all the cities is becoming the major source of noise pollution. The ambient and traffic noise levels are studied in and around Vijayawada. Sampling is done for 10 hrs from 7am-9am, 10 am-12 noon, 1pm-3 pm, 4pm-6 pm, 7 pm-9 pm. Ambient noise levels are beyond the permissible limits at the urban locations sampled based on Lavg, L10, L50, L90, Leq, NPL, NC parameters. Traffic flow is measured at four locations representing residential, commercial, industrial, and silent zones. Simultaneously, sound levels are collected and analyzed based on traffic flow, Lavg, L10, L50, L90, Leq, TNI, NC parameters. It is noted that, high noise levels are recorded at high traffic flows. The 2-and 3-wheelers are contributing to 69% of vehicular flow at the sampling locations.