Jodhpur, Rajasthan – A comprehensive analysis of ambient noise quality in Jodhpur City from April 2023 to March 2024 reveals significant exceedances of prescribed noise limits across commercial, residential, and silence zones. The study, documented by the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, highlighted that silence zones, particularly around MDM Hospital, experienced night-time noise levels up to 31.6 dB above the permissible 40 dB standard in June 2023. The findings underscore a persistent challenge in controlling noise pollution within the urban environment.
The "NOISE_STUDY [NS010, 2023]," as referenced in a recent tweet by ex_mortal_, details monitoring at four distinct locations: an industrial area, a commercial area (Sojati Gate), a residential area (ZBJS Colony), and a silence zone (MDM Hospital). While the industrial area generally remained within its day and night-time limits, other zones consistently registered noise levels far beyond regulatory thresholds. This indicates a widespread issue affecting the city's inhabitants.
Commercial areas, such as Sojati Gate, recorded a maximum day-time noise level of 80.2 Leq dB(A) in December 2023, significantly surpassing the 65.0 Leq dB(A) standard. Night-time measurements in this zone also peaked at 78.4 Leq dB(A) in April 2023, well above the 55.0 Leq dB(A) limit. These figures point to intense commercial activity and vehicular traffic contributing to excessive noise.
Residential areas, including ZBJS Colony, faced similar challenges, with day-time noise reaching 86.6 Leq dB(A) in July 2023, exceeding the 55.0 Leq dB(A) standard by 31.6 dB. Night-time noise in residential zones also peaked at 71.0 Leq dB(A) in July 2023, far above the 45.0 Leq dB(A) limit. The report attributes these high levels to vehicular traffic and construction activities.
Of particular concern were the silence zones, designated areas around hospitals and educational institutions, which are meant to maintain lower noise levels. The MDM Hospital area recorded a maximum day-time noise level of 74.8 Leq dB(A) in October 2023, exceeding its 50.0 Leq dB(A) standard. Night-time noise levels in this critical zone reached a peak of 76.0 Leq dB(A) in June 2023, nearly double the 40.0 Leq dB(A) standard.
Special monitoring conducted during the Deepawali festival in November 2023 further revealed a surge in noise pollution. Commercial areas like Sojati Gate experienced night-time noise levels of 76.83 Leq dB(A) during Deepawali, compared to 70.47 Leq dB(A) pre-festival, both significantly exceeding the 55 dB standard. Residential areas also saw a jump from 63.85 Leq dB(A) to 79.25 Leq dB(A) during the festival, far above the 45 dB limit.
The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board has recommended several remedial measures to mitigate noise pollution, including planting more trees, maintaining distance between industrial and residential areas, using sound-absorbing materials in construction, and implementing stricter controls on loudspeakers and vehicular horns. The report emphasizes the need for strict action in silence zones to protect vulnerable populations.
