Ahmedabad: A separate study by researchers Bhupendra Singh of Central University of Haryana and Nasim Akhtar of CSIR-Central Road Research Institute assessed sound levels across 133 locations in the city and found that residential areas in Ahmedabad match its industrial zones in relentless, punishing noise.
Methodology and Key Findings
Using a Class 1 ST-109 sound level meter, the team logged daytime residential noise averaging 79.83 dB, night-time levels at 74.85 dB, and late-night readings persistently high at 61.68 dB. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) sets permissible limits at 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night. Ahmedabad's residential areas exceed these limits throughout the day and night.
A mapping of 449 square kilometres reveals that nearly 77% of the city's land area — 480.9 square kilometres — is subjected to constant noise levels of 70 decibels or more.
Highest and Lowest Readings
The highest single reading was 84.9 dB at Bhairavnath bus stand, roughly equivalent to a freight train passing nearby. Even the quietest location, Sardar Patel bus stand, recorded 75 dB. Residential pockets near Kamod Crossroads reached 85 dB. For comparison, industrial zones in the study averaged 80.62 dB during daytime.
Causes of Noise Pollution
The primary causes remain traffic congestion and construction activities, combined with commercial noise spilling directly into residential neighbourhoods. The study highlights that residential areas are experiencing noise levels comparable to industrial zones, indicating a widespread problem.
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About the Author
Paul John is the Chief of Bureau at TOI Ahmedabad, with over two decades of work experience across TOI bureaus in Vadodara and Surat. He has led impactful environmental campaigns, including Gujarat's Toxic Corridor, My City My River, the RTI Act awareness campaign 'Jago Gujarat – Use RTI', and the Ahmedabad Heritage Campaign, which helped the city gain UNESCO World Heritage City status. He also co-authored TOI's heritage books for three cities. Currently, he coordinates the Ahmedabad reporting team, focusing on civic-focused journalism.
