EFFECTS OF URBAN MORPHOLOGY ON THE TRAFFIC INDUCED NOISE DISTRIBUTION THROUGH 2D NOISE MAPPING: A CASE STUDY OF OKHLA INDUSTRIAL AREA, NEW DELHI, INDIA

Abstract

Noise pollution has been growing as one of the key factor affecting quality of life in urban areas worldwide. Traffic
induced noise is typically the single largest source of noise pollution in most of the urban areas. The paper aims at to
investigate the impact of urban morphology on road traffic noise distribution through 2D noise mapping. Major roads and
intersections of Okhla Industrial area has been covered in the present study. The noise monitoring has been carried out at
various preselected locations of Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi, India. Thereafter, 2D noise mapping has been done
using hourly average noise levels for Okhla Industrial Area Phase-I, Phase-II and Phase-III. Monitored results of noise
levels indicate that the Okhla industrial area Phase-II has been more prone to noise pollution in comparison to Okhla
Phase-I and Phase-III. The 2D noise maps revealed that the noise levels remain maximum at the centre of the road and
reduce with the distance on either side. The reduction pattern along with noise levels can easily be visualize and evaluated
by using these maps. This type of study may become imperative for decision makers during adaptation of suitable remedial
measures.