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vehicles/ trucks ranges around 1 KHz observed. The average Leq value at all sampling
locations during peak periods did not satisfy the Prescribed Noise Criteria (PNC) and
Noise Rating (NR) limits, posing a risk to human health, including hearing loss, high blood
pressure, and hypertension

Regression analysis establishing the correlation between Leq and various factors viz.
Heavy vehicles, light vehicles, Speed and honking were worked out for the Commercial
zone, Residential zone and industrial zones. Values of coefficient of R2 for the
Commercial, Residential and Industrial worked out to be 0.82, 0.78 and 0.84 respectively.
Findings based on the analysis amply prove that the noise pollution has already exceeded
the permissible limits and may prove to be hazardous to the citizen's health. A finding
clearly earmarks factors like traffic volume; honking, speed, etc are responsible for the
noise pollution. If these factors are properly managed, the intensity of the noise can be
effectively reduced. There should be a multidisciplinary approach to curbing noise.

The first, as has been identified as the major responsible for noise is honking. Honking is
the result of impassions of the people. These need to be dealt with appropriate education
right from the childhood. Sensitization of the people is very much essential for the traffic
sense and awareness of the health hazard. Technology can be helpful in designing the
horns with stringent specification. Constructive laws and strict implementation is very
much necessary in the initial period.

Curbing/controlling the speed of the vehicles poses a dilemma of decision. In this issue,
modern technology can help in the way of designing sound efficient engines, evolving
affordable electric vehicles, sound resistant road surfaces, sound barriers etc. Policy
regarding the scrapping of old vehicles shall be in place. Traffic volume is ever increasing
phenomenon. Flyovers, bye passes, diversion of traffic, staggering of office/school
timings, and encouragement to vehicle sharing, efficient public transport systems are
some of the suggestive tactics.

As has been amply established a fact that ‘Noise pollution’ is an obligatory issue bound to
be associated with urbanization. Hence, only appropriate management, technological
advancement, changes in peoples habits could be advantageous in reducing noise.

Key words: Urbanization, Prescribed Noise Criteria, Obligatory, Advancement,
Implementation.

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