Linear regression model for noise pollution over central Delhi to highlight the alarming threat for the environment

Noise pollution is the most ignored and underappreciated problem in the world. Even though scientists all over the world have done a lot of research on noise mapping and possible solutions, these solutions are still a long way from being put into practice. Noise reduction is an important step toward making a community that can last for a long time. Without systematic noise mapping, it is hard to figure out how noise changes in space and time. Using the Norsonic sound level meter, this research provides a novel methodological framework to integrate linear regression models with acoustic propagation for dynamic noise maps in Central Delhi. The 17 most sensitive receptors are also located in the study area. The noise mapping has been performed with the help of Dhwani pro and Arc-GIS software. The results from the noise mapping shows that the study area has noise at hazardous level. The second order linear regression noise prediction model has also been used for prediction of noise levels with taking parameters vehicle flow, % of heavy motor vehicle and light motor vehicle as inputs. The prediction performance is ascertained using the statistical test. The predicted noise values show good correlation with the observed noise levels i.e., R of 0.90. The isolation barriers of 5 m height are also introduced in the noise mapping analysis using Dhwani pro. These barriers represent substantial improvement in the noise level. The overall scenario of noise pollution in the study area is at alarming level and requires immediate planning to control the situation.