Study of the Noise Pollution For Three Consecutive Years During Deepawali Festival in Chidambaram Town

The present paper deals with monitoring of Noise Pollution at different places of Chidambaram town during Deepawali festival. The Noise Pollution is increasing considerably in the last three years and it is recorded maximum in 2015 as compared to 2014 and 2013. During the present study the noise levels were measured with the help of sound level meter at nine different locations during Deepawali festival. It was clear from our study that the noise levels are extremely elevated and are found to be above the prescribed limits of CPCB in all the zones. The main sources of noise pollution are loud speakers, powerful sound systems, orchestra, drums, etc. Major effects of noise pollution include interference with communication, sleeplessness, and reduced efficiency. Public education appears to be the best method as suggested by the respondents. Noise pollution has been well recognized as one of the pollutions that affect the quality of life in urban areas across the globe. In a town like Chidambaram, apart from traffic noise and noise generated due to construction activity, the major contributing source is noise produced during festivals. Present study analyses the trend and status of noise generated during an important festival Deepawali festival at different location in Chidambaram town for last three years. As per data obtained from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), it is observed that there is no significant decrease in noise level at most of the places in year 2015 as compared to earlier years.