Assessment of Noise Pollution in Gwalior M.P. India

oGwalior is located at 26.22 N and 78.18 E. It is a historical Indian city located at periphery of Madhya Pradesh state 321 kms away from capital Delhi. Medium and small scale industries are located in this town. The city is home to well know educational institutions. Hence the town supports large number of floating population. As of 2001 India census, Gwalior had a population of 826,919. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Gwalior has an average literacy rate of 70%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 76%, and female literacy is 63%. The vehicles represent the most important noise source. It was estimated to about 80% from road vehicles. Road traffic noise is one of the most widespread and growing environmental problems in urban areas. The impact of road traffic noise on the community depends on various factors such as road location and design, land use planning measures, building design, vehicle standards and driver behavior. Gwalior's public transport system consists of tempos, auto rickshaw taxis. Recently the municipal corporation has launched Gwalior City Bus covering some routes in the city. The tempos and auto-rickshaws are often cited as a cause of pollution and road congestion. Gwalior is well connected via train services to all parts of the country including 4 metros. Noise is one of the most important factors in producing deterioration of both well being and quality of life of people in urban areas. Noise produces a series of physiological, psychological, behavioral changes in responses [1]. In the present study, the extent of noise pollution in Gwalior town and the exposure of shopkeepers to noise pollution during peak hours have been assessed. Several noise pollutions studies in different areas are available [2,3,4,5]. All these reported existence of high noise level due to automobiles in those places. No study for Gwalior has been carried so far and hence the present study has been undertaken. MA TERIALS AND METHODS Noise measurements were carried out by using Sound Level Meter SL- 4010. Noise levels were measured at university campus, Morar, Thathipur, railway station, Laskhar, Pinto Park. University and Madhav dispensary represented the silence zone. Railway Station, Thathipur and Morar were selected for the present study to assess the noise level of commercial areas and the effect of noise on shopkeepers. Laskhar and Pinto Park represented the residential area for the study. At each sampling site six readings were taken after an interval of