Pollution Research Paper

ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC NOISE IN URBAN AREA - TIRUPUR CITY, TAMILNADU, INDIA

R. GOBINATH, B. GANESHKUMAR, KEERTHANA, NEELIMA SINGHVI, V. CHITRAVEL, S. SARANYA AND T. KANNAN

Abstract

Noise is one of the most important pollution in the metropolitan and urban areas, the recognition of road traffic noise as one of the main sources of environmental pollution is the need of the hour. It is inferred that the noise levels were more than the permissible limit, i.e. 50 dB as prescribed in USA in all the investigated areas of Tirupur and the maximum noise levels were around double of the said permissible limit, which is a contradiction with that of developed countries. There are many factors which are thought to influence traffic growth, some are: Population Growth/ Migration, Land Use Changes, Vehicle Operating Costs, Induced Traffic due to new road facilities nearby, Vehicle ownership levels. Urbanization is taking place at a faster rate in India. In this work authors took an effort to analyze the present level of noise in the city of Tirupur, Tamilnadu, a city which is called as small Japan in colloquial language. Tirupur became district head-quarters for newly formed Tirupur District from the end year of 2008 the “Knitwear capital” of India is located in the south Indian state Tamil Nadu. Tirupur has gained universal recognition as the leading source of Hosiery, Knitted Garments, Casual Wear and Sportswear. It is situated 58 kilometers east of Coimbatore and about 495 km southwest Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the fastest developing cities in Tamil Nadu. Tirupur is the sixth largest city in Tamil Nadu The studies were conducted in the various sensitive areas that are defined by the pollution control board and EPA norms. According to Environment Protection Act ,1986 the recommended noise standards for Industrial area during day time is 75 dB and at night time its 70 dB, in Commercial area during day time its 65 dB and during night time its 55 dB, in Silent zones during day time its 50 dB and during night time its 40 dB.The levels of noise were found to be alarming in almost all areas surveyed. In all areas high noise levels were observed. The mean values of noise levels in different areas ranged from 70 to 95dB during 6.30 a.m.-9.30 a.m. It is imperative to mention here that such an attempt of assessing noise in Tirupur is first of its kind in Tamil nadu which is quite a congested city, although public authorities are undertaking steps to upgrade all means of public transportation.