Vol. 2, Issue 7, Part M (2016)

Abstract
Noise pollution has been well recognized as one of the major trepidations that impact the quality of life. It is more widespread and severe than ever before and it will continue to increase in magnitude and severity because of population growth, urbanization, industrialization, sustained growth in highway, rail and air traffic. The potential health effects of noise pollution are numerous, pervasive, persistent and medically and socially significant. The noise pollution control has become an important consideration in urban planning, in construction practices and in public administration. The present study has been conducted to assess the status of noise level in different institutions of Samba town in District Samba. The noise levels of Banks, Post offices, SSP office, DC office and Tehsil office located at different sites of study area were measured using Sound Level Meter (Data logger model:407764A). From the observed readings of SPL (Sound Pressure Level) Maximum SPL, Minimum SPL and Leq (Equivalent Noise Level) were calculated. The study revealed that indoor SPL values were observed to range from 50.1dB(A) to 89.9 dB(A) at Banks,42.3dB(A) to77.6dB(A) at SSP office,42.1dB(A) to76.4dB(A) at DC office,40.0dB(A) to 66.4dB(A) at Tehsil office and 40.1dB(A) to 58.6dB(A) at Post offices. The outdoor SPL values exhibited varying ranges at different sites. The calculated Leq values except for some sites were also observed to be above the statutory permissible limits. The noise assessment study clearly revealed the alarming condition of noise pollution in Samba town and needs implementation of noise abatement strategies to mitigate the noise pollution.