Noise Vulnerability Assessment for Kota City

Noise pollution due to vehicular traffic is rapidly growing environmental concern of metropolitan cities all across the world. It became a primary source of noise emissions in urban cities because two-thirds of the total noise pollution in the big cities is associated with traffic noise. It is a derivative of industrialization and urbanization. As per WHO, noise is globally recognized as a major threat for human beings due to several physiological and psychological impacts on human health such as high blood pressure, stress-related disease, sleep disturbances, loss of hearing ability, and the harm of productivity. Severe impacts including loss of memory, frustration, and harmful attacks cannot be ignored. In this research work, the evolution of traffic noise in Kota city has been studied. Twenty-eight sampling locations are selected to cover the whole city for the estimation of traffic noise levels. Noise data is collected, analyzed, and further used for noise mapping. Noise maps have been generated with the help of geospatial information system (GIS) to complete the noise vulnerability assessment for Kota city. Affected areas can be identified through GIS where humans are highly susceptible to the adverse effect of traffic noise pollution. Cardiovascular impacts related to traffic noise levels are connected with noise exposer limit and time to explain the noise vulnerability for Kota city at 78 and 80 dB. This study reveals the importance of traffic noise reduction policies and strategies for public health.