--- title: "Report on sound pollution in Kathmandu Valley" subject: "Communication English" chapter: 9 key: "semester_5/communication_english:report-sound-pollution-kathmandu" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/report-sound-pollution-kathmandu site: BCT Engineering --- # Report on sound pollution in Kathmandu Valley Communication English · Chapter 9: Formal Reports - Asked in: 2076 Ashwin, 10 marks - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/report-sound-pollution-kathmandu - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-9 ## Question 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. ## 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. ## Answer #### Title page ```text 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. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Which parts does the answer prepare for the sound pollution report? A. Title page, abstract, conclusion and recommendations B. Title page, introduction, discussion and recommendations C. Abstract, methodology and references D. Cover letter, abstract and appendices Answer: A. The question asks only for the title page, abstract, conclusion and recommendation. (Key point: Parts required) 2. How did the measured noise compare with the guideline in the abstract? A. 68 to 92 dB(A) measured against a WHO guideline of 55 dB(A) for residential areas B. 40 to 55 dB(A) measured against a guideline of 92 dB(A) C. Measured levels equalled the guideline of 68 dB(A) D. No measurement was made Answer: A. Noise at 40 places ranged from 68 to 92 dB(A), far above the WHO 55 dB(A) guideline. (Key point: Measured noise vs guideline) 3. What is the recommended use of 'silence zones'? A. Within 100 m of hospitals, schools and offices with signs and fines for horn use B. Only on highways outside the Valley C. Around factories to allow loud machines D. In markets to promote sales Answer: A. Recommendation 1 declares silence zones within 100 m of hospitals, schools and offices, enforced by signs and fines. (Key point: Silence zones) 4. Why does the report recommend signals, one-way streets, bus lanes and underpasses? A. Because congestion increases horn use B. Because they make roads look modern C. Because they reduce the number of schools D. Because they raise vehicle speeds Answer: A. The answer states that improved traffic flow reduces congestion, which increases horn use. 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