GIS based Assessment of Noise Pollution in Guwahati City of Assam, India

A GIS based noise assessment was carried out to study the noise pollution scenario of Guwahati city at various locations, i.e. commercial zones, residential zones and silence zones (educational institutions and hospitals and nursing homes). Sound Level Meter (SLM) was used for assessment of noise levels and noise mapping was done using Geographic Information System (GIS) technique. From the study, it was observed that noise environment of the Guwahati city is deteriorating and unsafe in various locations for human and it exceeds the noise standards suggested by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This study also highlighted the noise polluted and vulnerable areas through the diurnal noise mapping. It was also observed from the study that, places with high traffic congestion, narrow roads, heavy constructional activities and poor traffic management areas are more vulnerable to high noise levels. Some of the educational institutions, hospitals and nursing homes are also in the grip of high noisy environment. Highest noise levels ranging between 80–90 dB (A) recorded in commercial locations, 65–75 dB (A) in residential areas, 65–75 dB(A) in silence zone in the city.