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Report on sound pollution in Kathmandu Valley

Short answer

Noise measurements at 40 major road locations in Kathmandu Valley ranged from 68 to 92 dB(A), far above the WHO limit of 55 dB(A), with horns and traffic congestion as primary sources. Key recommendations are declaring silence zones near hospitals and schools, banning pressure horns, improving traffic flow, and planting roadside trees.

Write a report to be submitted to the Chief Engineer, Department of Roads, on controlling the sound pollution of the Kathmandu Valley. Prepare only the Title page, Abstract, Conclusion and recommendation parts of the report.

Title page

                          REPORT

   CONTROLLING SOUND POLLUTION IN THE KATHMANDU VALLEY

Submitted to:
Er. Mohan Bahadur Karki
Chief Engineer
Department of Roads, Babarmahal, Kathmandu

Submitted by:
Er. Namrata Joshi
Traffic Engineer, Valley Road Research Team

10 January 2027

Abstract

Sound pollution is a growing problem in the Kathmandu Valley, where the number of vehicles has grown to over 1.5 million and most of the roads are narrow and crowded. This report examines the main causes of noise and ways to control it. We measured noise at 40 places on the major roads between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The measured levels ranged from 68 dB(A) to 92 dB(A), compared with the WHO guideline of 55 dB(A) for residential areas. Horns (especially pressure horns), old vehicles, construction work, loudspeakers and traffic jams were the main sources. Residents, school children, patients and traffic police suffer from stress, loss of sleep and hearing problems. The report concludes that the road authorities can reduce noise through better traffic management, better road design and strict control, and it recommends specific measures.

Conclusion

  1. Noise levels on the main roads of the Valley are much higher than the safe limits, and the problem is worst at traffic junctions and near hospitals and schools.
  2. The most important sources are vehicle horns and traffic congestion, which are partly the result of poor road design and traffic management.
  3. Poor road surfaces and old vehicles add to the noise.
  4. The effects on health, learning and work are serious but are often ignored.
  5. The problem can be reduced if the road agencies, the Traffic Police and the local governments work together.

Recommendations

  1. Declare "silence zones" within 100 m of hospitals, schools and offices, with signs and fines for horn use.
  2. Ban pressure horns and old vehicles that exceed the noise limits, and check noise levels during vehicle fitness tests.
  3. Improve traffic flow with signals, one-way streets, bus lanes and underpasses, because congestion increases horn use.
  4. Use noise-reducing road surfaces, and keep the roads free of potholes.
  5. Plant trees and build sound barriers along busy roads next to residential areas.
  6. Restrict heavy vehicles in the city during the day and set time limits for construction work.
  7. Install noise monitors at major junctions and publish the readings.
  8. Run a public awareness campaign: "Honk less, live better".
  9. Form a joint team of the Department of Roads, the Traffic Police and the Metropolitan City to carry out these measures.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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