Assessment of environmental noise scenario and correlation of Air Quality Index and sound levels of urban zones of Delhi City, India

Air and noise pollution and associated health hazards have been a serious concern for metropolitan cities of India. This article analyzed the environmental noise scenario of 26 sites in Delhi city, India, and discussed the correlation between the concentrations of various air pollutants as well as Air Quality Index (AQI) levels with the ambient noise levels for the year 2021. The ambient noise data acquired by the real-time noise monitoring stations installed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Delhi, at distinct zones throughout Delhi city were utilized for the study. The study observed that the majority of the sites exhibited annually averaged day equivalent sound pressure levels within the range 60 dB(A) to 70 dB(A) and annually averaged night equivalent levels within the range 55 dB(A) to 65 dB(A). The annually averaged 24-hour equivalent levels were also observed in the range of 60 dB (A) to 70 dB(A). It was also revealed from the study that no commercial, residential, or silence zone site complied with the ambient noise standards. Additionally, the correlation between the AQI and sound levels was observed to be in a good range for most of the months. This study shall be helpful in recommending appropriate mitigation measures for the abatement and control of environmental noise pollution levels in the megacity of India, Delhi.