Noise mapping of Thiruvananthapuram within next 6 months

October 22, 2014 10:15 am | Updated May 23, 2016 05:00 pm IST - Thiruvananthapuram:

The noise levels in the core area of the city have increased manifold in the past decade. Though some studies have been conducted on the decibel levels, especially during the festival season, a comprehensive analysis is yet to happen. Now, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) is embarking on one such exercise to map noise levels across the entire Corporation area.

According to sources, the board is now in talks with the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, to carry out the noise mapping.

“Till now, such analyses have usually been limited to certain sectors or a particular stretch of road. This is perhaps the first time mapping would be done on such a large scale in a city in the country. The plan is to start it sometime within the next six months,” said the source.

Two parameters

The noise mapping will be based on two parameters, traffic in the area and concentration of buildings. Projections will be made for the next five years from the data so gathered.

“The current decibel levels will be matched with the traffic density and building concentration in the particular area and from that we can study what all changes in these levels in the upcoming years with corresponding increases in the other two factors. This data can be valuable in noise mitigation measures as well as in urban planning,” said the source. The board as such has powers to take action only in the case of industrial noises. “We have been receiving several complaints from individuals and associations regarding loudspeakers set up by religious institutions. But, we do not have powers to take any action. Since the permissions for the use of the loudspeaker are given from the respective local police stations, they have the powers to take action. We can only inform and give assistance. Similar is the case with vehicle horns, some of which are loud beyond the permissible limits. In that case, the Motor Vehicle Department has to take action,” said an official.

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