Spatial And Temporal Analysis Of Traffic Noise Pollution On 9th Avenue, Islamabad

Abstract

Noise pollution is a major environmental issue now a days in Islamabad. Noise pollution is a threat to human wellbeing, and it is most under rated environmental issue because one cannot smell, taste, or see it. Noise pollution becomes threat to residents of Islamabad due to rapid increase in urbanization and industrialization. Traffic noise pollution is one of the major environmental issue presently due to increase in number of vehicles. The study is based upon the traffic noise pollution of one of the busiest route of Islamabad (9th Avenue) which connects twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi). The objective of study was to affirm whether traffic noise pollution is in compliance with National Environmental Quality Standards or not. Traffic noise pollution was measured by digital sound level meter. The study area was 7.6 kilometers long and data was collected after interval of 800 meters.10 points were taken in a distance of 7.6 kilometers. The study period was 4 weeks from 11th November to 6th December 2019. Data were collected twice a day from Monday to Friday at morning and evening time. Minimum value of traffic noise recorded at 9th Avenue was 65.8 dBA and maximum value was 98.0 dBA. Minimum average value of traffic noise was 70.8 dBA and maximum average value was 94.5 dBA. After analysis of results it was concluded that traffic noise pollution level of 9th avenue is exceeding the standard of NEQS in all points.