NGJI, An International Peer-Reviewed Journal

NGSI-BHU, ISSN: 0027-9374/2020/1732

Vol. 66, No. 1, March 2020

An Evaluation of Noise Pollution Level in Lucknow city,

Uttar Pradesh
Shweta Srivastava1 and Gayatri Rai2
1
Research Scholar, Department of Geography, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
2
Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
(Corresponding author's email: shweta25185sri@gmail.cm)

Abstract
Noise is generally defined as the unwanted sound produced by various natural or man-made sources such
as construction, industrial, transportation activities etc. Noise can have many adverse effects such as
hearing impairment, sleep disturbance, interference with speech and communication, reduced
performance, annoyance and harming physiological functions. In India, the permissible noise level for
different areas is laid down by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Lucknow city, one of the major
urban centres of Uttar Pradesh, has a population around 28 lakh according to Census, 2011. This huge
number of people contributes significantly in the increasing levels of noise and, therefore, creates an
alarming state of noise pollution. This paper aims to study the growing noise level trends in the city,
analyse the average sound levels to ascertain the status of ambient noise levels and recommend suitable
preventive measures. The data used for substantiation has been drawn from the reports of Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB). Microsoft Excel
software has been used for tabulation and graphical representation of data while ArcGIS 10.3 software has
been used for the cartographical representation.
Keywords: noise, noise pollution, ambient noise levels, CPCB
Introduction

Sound is a mechanical vibration produced quantity to another, on a logarithmic scale, the

from elastic medium (as air and water) which logarithmic quantity being called the power
creates the pressure moving the particles, and level or field level, respectively. On the decibel
can be felt by a person or equipment. Sound is scale, the smallest audible sound (near total
defined by its characteristics. Sound has silence) is 0 dB.Sound may be defined as any
mechanic vibration, determined as the pressure variation (in air, water or other
combination of pressure (Pascal, Pa) and medium) that human ear can detect. If
frequency (Hertz, Hz). Intensity or loudness of variations in atmospheric pressure occur more
the sound is the “level of sonorous pressure” rapidly i.e. at least 20 times a second, then it can
and is measured in decibels (dB) (Anees, et al., be heard, and hence, called sound. Sound
2017).It is a unit of measurement used to travels as small waves of pressure through air at
express the ratio of one value of a power or field a speed of about 740 miles per hour and what
82 Shweta Srivastava and Gayatri Rai

we hear are sound waves provided by highly mobile sources of noise (Sonkar, et.al.,
vibrations of air molecules. The response of ear 2014). There are two types of sources of noise
to sound is very dependent on the frequency pollution- indoor and outdoor. Indoor sources
content of the sound. The ear has a peak include noise produced by radio, television,
response around 2.5 – 3 kHz and has a generators, electric fans, air coolers, air
relatively low response at low frequencies conditioners, different home appliances, and
(CPCB, 2017). family conflict. Outdoor sources include
According to Central Pollution Control indiscriminate use of loudspeakers, industrial
Board in its report titled ‘Status of Ambient activities, automobiles, rail traffic, aeroplanes
Noise Level in India, 2017’ noise is one of the and activities such as those at market place,
most pervasive pollutants. A musical clock may religious, social, and cultural functions, sports
be nice to listen during the day, but may be an and political rallies. In rural areas farm
irritant during sleep at night. Noise by machines, pump sets are main sources of noise
definition is “sound without value” or “any pollution. During festivals, marriage and many
noise that is unwanted by the recipient”. The other occasions, use of fire crackers contribute
word "noise" descends from the Latin word to noise pollution. However, noise pollution is
nausea, meaning seasickness, or, more greater in cities due to high concentration of
generally, any similar sensation of disgust, population, industries and transportation
annoyance, or discomfort. Noise is usually activities. Noise pollution like other pollutants
defined as unwanted sound pollutant which is a by-product of industrialization,
produces undesirable physiological and urbanization and modern civilization.
psychological effects in an individual, by In India the ambient noise standards have
interfering with one’s social activities like been notified for different categories like,
work, rest, recreation, sleep etc. A sound might industrial, commercial and residential areas
be unwanted because it is loud, unpleasant, and silence zones by the Central Pollution
annoying, intrusive or distracting. Noise Control Board (CPCB). Ambient Air Quality
perception is subjective. Factors such as the Standards for India in respect of noise notified
magnitude, characteristics, duration, and time under Noise Pollution (Regulation and
of occurrence may affect one's subjective Control) Rules, 2000 are as follows:
impression of the noise. Noise is also Day time means from 6 AM to 10 PM while
considered a mixture of many different sound night time means from 10 PM to 6 AM. Silence
frequencies at high decibel levels. zone is defined as areas up to 100 meters around
Noise pollution refers to sounds in the such premises as hospitals, educational
environment that are caused by humans and institutes and courts. They are to be declared by
threaten the health or welfare of human or the competent authority. Mixed categories of
animal inhabitants. Environmental noise areas may be declared as one of the four above
pollution, a form of air pollution, is a threat to mentioned categories by the competent
health and well-being of living organisms. It is authority. The objective of the present study is
more severe and widespread than ever before, to evaluate the average sound levels in different
and it continues to increase in magnitude and zones of the study area i.e. Lucknow city so as
gravity because of population growth, to ascertain the status of ambient noise levels,
urbanization, and the associated growth in the consequently, determining the ensuing
use of increasingly powerful, varied, and environmental noise pollution. Furthermore,
 An Evaluation of Noise Pollution Level in Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh 83

Table 1: Standard for Noise Pollution in India

Source: Report on Status of Ambient Noise Level in India 2017, Central Pollution Control Board
*dB(A) Leq denotes the time weighted average of the level of sound in decibels on scale A which
is relatable to human hearing.

this study also strives to recommend suitable The work in this paper is based on
preventive measures. materials attained through secondary data
Study area collection. All the facts and standards have
Lucknow is the capital city of the state of been substantiated through the reports issued
Uttar Pradesh in India. It is the largest and most by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),
developed city in North India after Delhi. This Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board
metropolitan city is the administrative (UPPCB) and ENVIS Resource Partner on
headquarter of Lucknow District and Lucknow Control of Pollution Water, Air and Noise.
Division. Lucknow has always been known as Microsoft Excel software has been used for
a multicultural city and flourished as a cultural tabulation and graphical representation of data
and artistic capital of North India. The city is while ArcGIS 10.3 software has been used for
spread on both the banks of River Gomti over the cartographical representation.
an area of 350 sq. km and stands at an elevation Results and discussions
of approximately 123 meters (404 ft.) above Analysis of ambient noise monitoring for the
sea level with a population of over 2.8 million. year2018 on monthly basis
Lucknow city contributes about 6.33% of The following tabulated series of data has
urban population to the state`s total urban been utilized for analysis and consequently,
population (LMC, 2015). The city is famous for inferences, along with graphical representation
its heritage character and popularly known as of the monthly trend in average sound level
seat of Nawabs. The city is now among the values of the city, has been drawn under four
fastest growing cities of India and as rapidly pre-established area categories namely
emerging as commercial and retailing hub. industrial, commercial, residential and silence
Being the capital city, it is the seat of zones.
government and also the trading hub for nearby Case 1: Industrial zone
towns. Two monitoring stations categorized in
Under the National Ambient Noise industrial zone are Talkatora and Chinhat. The
Monitoring Network (NANMN) Programme monthly average sound level of this zone varies
10 noise monitoring stations were installed in from 62 to 69 Leq. dB(A) in day time and from
Lucknow city. The locational details of all these 54 to 65 Leq. dB(A) in the night (Table 4,
stations are provided in Table 2. Figure 3 & Figure 4). However, these values are
Data sources and methodology well within the minimum permissible limit, 75
84 Shweta Srivastava and Gayatri Rai

Figure1: Lucknow City and its Surroundings

Leq. dB(A) during the day and 70 Leq. dB(A) (UPPCB, HQ), Chaudhary Charan Singh
during the night, set by the Central Pollution (CCS) Airport and RSC Aliganj region. The
Control Board (CPCB).The highest average monthly average sound level of this zone varies
sound level observed in this zone in day time is from 55 to 77 Leq. dB(A) during day time and
69 Leq. dB(A) recorded in Chinhat during the from 49 to 72 Leq. dB(A) during the night
month of May and in Talkatora during the (Table 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7 & Figure
month of June. The night time value is 8).There has been no case of exceeding the
maximum in the month of June (65 Leq. standard limits of noise level in CCS Airport
dB(A)). region during daytime. However, not the same
Case 2: Commercial zone can be said for the observations from records of
The commercial zone of the city holds night time values. RSC Aliganj area shows the
monitoring stations at Hazratganj, Uttar highest recorded average sound level during
Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Headquarter both day (in 7 out of 12 months) and night (in
 An Evaluation of Noise Pollution Level in Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh 85

Table 2: Locational Details of Noise Monitoring Stations in Lucknow City

Source: Report on Status of Ambient Noise Level of India 2017, Central Pollution Control Board

Figure 2: Location of Noise Monitoring Stations in Lucknow City

86 Shweta Srivastava and Gayatri Rai

Table 3: Monthly average sound level (in Leq. dB(A)) data of first five stations 2018

Source: Noise Monitoring Database, ENVIS Resource Partner on Control of

Pollution Water, Air and Noise, 2018
Table 4: Monthly average sound level (in Leq. dB(A)) data of remaining five stations in
Lucknow city, 2018"

Source: Noise Monitoring Database, ENVIS Resource Partner on Control of

Pollution Water, Air and Noise, 2018
the month of June). residential zone is located in Indira Nagar
Case 3: Residential Zone region of Lucknow city.The monthly average
The monitoring station classed under sound level of this zone varies from 46 to 58
 An Evaluation of Noise Pollution Level in Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh 87

Figure 3: Monthly trend of average sound level in industrial zone of Talkatora, 2018

Figure 4: Monthly trend of average sound level in industrial zone of Chinhat, 2018

Figure 5: Monthly trend of average sound level in commercial zone of Hazratganj, 2018
88 Shweta Srivastava and Gayatri Rai

Figure 6: Monthly trend of average sound level in commercial zone of UPPCB, HQ, 2018

Figure 7: Monthly trend of average sound level in commercial zone of CCS Airport, 2018

Figure 8: Monthly trend of average sound level in commercial zone of RSC Aliganj, 2018
 An Evaluation of Noise Pollution Level in Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh 89

Leq. dB(A) in day time and from 37 to 54 Leq. 9).The region witnessed highest average sound
dB(A) in the night (Table 4, Figure 8 & Figure levels in the month of February during day and

Figure 9: Monthly trend of average sound level in residential zone of Indira Nagar, 2018

in the month of May during night time Gomti Nagar area accounted for highest noise
observations. level in day time during the month of December
Case 4: Silence Zone while I.T. College area accounted for the same
The monitoring stations categorized under in night time values during the month of June.
the silent zone are located in P.G.I., Gomti Analysis of Ambient Noise Monitoring in
Nagar and I.T. College area. The monthly Lucknow City for the Year 2018 on Yearly
average sound level of this zone varies from 54 Basis
to 67 Leq. dB(A) during day time and from 48 Case 1: Industrial Zone
to 62 Leq. dB(A) during the night (Table 4, The average annual sound level values for
Figure 10, Figure 11 & Figure 12).In this zone, the year 2018 in industrial zone of Lucknow

Figure 10: Monthly trend of average sound level in silence zone of P.G.I., 2018
90 Shweta Srivastava and Gayatri Rai

Figure 11: Monthly trend of average sound level in silence zone of Gomti Nagar, 2018

Figure 12: Monthly trend of average sound level in silence zone of I.T. College, 2018

city remain considerably well within the (CCS) Airport region during day time. The
standard limits of 75 Leq. dB(A) in daytime areas of Hazratganj, CCS Airport and RSC
and 70 Leq. dB(A) in the night. Since Lucknow Aliganj are the busiest part of the city in terms
city has no major industries that can intensify of vehicular traffic as well as the centres of
the noise levels of the environment, this major markets. This congestion acts as a very
inference is in coherence with the expected potent catalyst in the increased noise level of
values. the surrounding environment.
Case 2: Commercial Zone Case 3: Residential Zone
The data collected from stations located In this zone, it is observed that average
under this zone shows the average annual annual sound level values of Indira Nagar
sound level values exceed the minimum transcends the standard limits of 55 Leq. dB(A)
permissible limit of 65 Leq. dB(A) in day time in day time as well as 45 Leq. dB(A) only
and 55 Leq. dB(A) in the night, except for the during the night, however, just barely (46.16
UPPCB, HQ and Chaudhary Charan Singh Leq. dB(A) ). Its day time level of noise (53.50
 An Evaluation of Noise Pollution Level in Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh 91
Table 5:Yearly average sound level data of all monitoring stations in Lucknow city, 2018

Source: Average calculated by the author from Noise Monitoring Database, ENVIS Resource
Partner on Control of Pollution Water, Air and Noise, 2018
Leq. dB(A) ) remains below the standard limit. the potential, especially in case of continued
Case 4: Silence Zone long exposure, of causing major adverse effects
The areas of P.G.I., I.T. College and Gomti on physiological and mental well- being of the
Nagar show a very substantial upsurge, of more inhabitants. Kim (2015) in his work Sources,
than 15 Leq. dB(A) at most places, in the Effects, and Control of Noise in
average sound level values from the minimum Indoor/Outdoor Living Environments put
permissible limits for this zone i.e., 50 Leq. forward that while it has long been known that
dB(A) in day time and 40 Leq. dB(A) in the hearing loss can result from long-term
night. Gomti Nagar region indicates the highest exposure to noise; the non-auditory effects of
level of noise contamination in the silent zone. noise exposure have only recently been
Henceforth, the above discussion studied. Non-auditory effects of noise exposure
promulgates that all eight stations surpass the are largely physiological and include effects on
prescribed limit except for those at Talkatora the cardiovascular system, the impairment of
and Chinhat. The overall sound level range of work performance and normal behaviour, sleep
Lucknow city varies from 37 Leq. dB(A) at disorders, and disturbance to conversations;
Indira Nagar station to 77 Leq. dB(A) at i.e., effects on health and everyday life. The
Aliganj.The values from the monitoring station impairment of work performance and normal
at all 10 sites in the city grade RSC Aliganj as behaviour is mainly a secondary effect that
the area with highest level of noise pollution causes a decline in work efficiency, and
(76.58 Leq. dB(A) ) within the commercial difficulties in conversation due to a reduction in
zone as well as of the whole study area. attention (Kim, 2015).Therefore, it is crucial to
Although there exists a great degree of work towards the reduction of noise level
variability in the ambient noise levels across below its standard permissible limit. It
different parts of the city, these conditions carry becomes imperative, in order to accomplish a
92 Shweta Srivastava and Gayatri Rai

healthy environment, to adopt effective and architectural design as to reduce the level of
efficient preventive measures. noise reverberation. Use of loud devices and
Precautionary measures fire crackers shall not be allowed near silence
The noise and its various forms create a zone like hospitals, institutional area and
very harmful milieu for the population of any schools.Publication of legislations to the public
region whether human, flora or fauna. reflecting possible consequences of the legal
Epidemiological studies have reported the actions by prevention, prohibition, payment
association between exposure to road traffic and punishment must be done. Noise pollution,
noise and many medical problems such as therefore, can be controlled when the sense of
myocardial infarction, cardiovascular diseases, understanding the effects of noise on the other
hypertension, lack of sleep quality, mental end is perceived genuinely. Awareness
disorders, weak immune system and birth programmes shall be organized as most of the
defects. Interference with communication and noise is generated because of improper and
noise-induced hearing impairment are the most inefficient usage of resources.
common penalties caused by extreme noise Conclusion
levels. World Health Organization (WHO) says The above discussion and inferences
that half of all cases of hearing loss can be implies that there is a serious threat of noise
prevented through public health measures pollution in the city of Lucknow. With rapidly
including reducing exposure to loud sounds, by growing trend of urbanization and
raising awareness about the risks, developing modernization, the city has witnessed
and enforcing relevant legislation, and overcrowding and congestion in terms of
encouraging individuals to use personal residing population, vehicular concentration,
protective devices such as earplugs and noise- established market centres etc. The status of
cancelling earphones and headphones. ambient noise level of the city compels us to
Practical steps that rapidly growing cities acknowledge the deteriorating condition of its
like Lucknow can take include the installation environment. Furthermore, noise has been
of road or rail noise barriers, managing flight proven as a prominent adversary factor for the
movements around airport locations and physical and mental well-being of an
reducing noise at source, such as through individual, or a society as a whole. Therefore, it
quieter tyres on vehicles. Greater amount of becomes more eminent to devise suitable
green spaces within cities also reduce the measures of control to avoid health hazards and
impact of noise, thus, vegetation buffer zone annoyance faced by the community.The
and road side plantation should be developed in incentive of a better, peaceful and healthy
different parts of the city. This will absorb to a future ought to be sufficient enough for taking
large extent and dissipate sound energy and urgent steps to reduce the noise contamination
thus act as buffer zone. A tree belt 5 m width of our environment.
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