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The objectives include analyzing noise pollution sources, assessing their effects on public health and the environment, and reviewing case studies to evaluate current policies and technologies. Data from Sikar City's noise monitoring stations were analyzed to identify significant pollution sources such as traffic, industrial activities, and construction work. Additionally, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was used to determine optimal proposals for the city. A literature review of ten relevant studies provided insights into common noise pollution issues and effective mitigation strategies. The findings revealed that noise levels often exceeded national standards, necessitating targeted strategies for reduction. The proposed mitigation measures aim to support the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board and other stakeholders in enhancing regional environmental management. Noise pollution noise monitoring mitigation strategies analytic hierarchy process Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 1. Introduction Noise is defined as unwanted sound that disrupts normal activities and quality of life. When excessive noise is present in the environment, it constitutes noise pollution. Humans typically cannot tolerate noise levels exceeding 85 decibels (dB). [ 1 ] Noise pollution is a significant global environmental issue recognized as a top health risk across all demographics. According to the UN Environment Program’s "Frontiers 2022" report [ 3 ], prolonged exposure to high noise levels adversely impacts human health and well-being, making it a growing concern for the public and policymakers. Conventional sources of noise pollution include roads, railways, airports, and industrial activities, while domestic and leisure activities also contribute significantly [ 3 ]. In India, noise pollution poses a significant challenge due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and increasing vehicular traffic. The Noise Pollution Regulation and Control Rules, 2000 [ 4 ], set permissible noise levels for various zones, and the Central Pollution Control Board [ 5 ] monitors compliance through the National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network. Despite these regulations, noise pollution affects millions, causing hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, and stress-related health issues. High noise levels from traffic, industries, construction, and cultural festivities disrupt daily life. The sources of noise pollution square measure typically multiply throughout festivals like Diwali, during which the hearth haywire square measure is answerable for pollution. [ 18 ] The case study area, Sikar, is located in northeastern Rajasthan, and serves as the administrative headquarters of the Sikar district. The city is 114 km from Jaipur, the state capital, with robust road and rail connectivity. At elevation of 427 meters, Sikar is a key urban center in the Shekhawati region. Sikar faces significant environmental challenges threatening its sustainable development. Like many rapidly urbanizing regions, Sikar City faces significant noise pollution challenges. Various studies and articles highlight the primary sources and impacts of noise pollution in this area. [ 6 ] This research paper aims to comprehensively assess and mitigate noise pollution in Sikar City, presenting strategies and solutions from various case studies. A review of ten research papers, from 2009 to 2024, was conducted to identify new proposals and their limitations concerning noise pollution. The study provides an in-depth overview of noise pollution, examining its sources, effects, and the measures currently being implemented to reduce its impact. The selected research papers were chosen for their relevance to issues similar to those in Sikar City, facilitating the identification of practical proposals and their limitations. These papers encompass various issues, parameters, methodologies, and tools used in noise pollution research. Research papers on noise pollution employed various parameters that are crucial in the comprehensive analysis of noise pollution, encompassing factors such as Equivalent Continuous Sound Level (Leq), Day-Night Noise Levels (LDN), Noise Limit Exceedance Factor (NEF), and Average Exceedance Factor (AEF). These measurements are compared against World Health Organization standards [ 19 ], utilizing calibrated sound level meters (SLMs) for accuracy. They followed the national and local regulations: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, European Union (EU) Directive 2002/49/EC, and The Central Pollution Control Board. Studies also examine traffic volume, speed, and geometric parameters across different road types and conditions, focusing on residential, commercial, and mixed-use areas. Spatial analysis considers noise intensity variations around landmarks, peak hours, and factors like land use, population density, economic activities, transportation types, building density, green spaces, and cultural practices [ 20 – 22 ]. Classifying noise levels into defined ranges further enhances understanding, facilitating the development of effective noise mitigation strategies and policies. GIS software facilitated spatial mapping to identify urban noise hotspots, aiding targeted noise control and urban planning. Sophisticated instruments and software, such as the B&K2230 [ 7 ], BSWA 308 – Class I [ 8 ], CEL-440 [ 9 ], Leutron model [ 10 ], IEC/ANSI Type 2 Free-Field Transducer [ 11 ], Real-Time Analyzer (Audio Tools iOS Software) [ 12 ], and Bruel & Kjaer type 4231 calibrator [ 14 ] Were used for precise ambient noise readings and mobile monitoring. Traffic noise was measured with handheld radar and GPS data from the VISTA Garmin HCX [ 7 ]. Data analysis and noise mapping were conducted using SPSS 16.0 and ArcGIS [ 15 ], respectively, and additional field surveys utilized tools like the Sonometer and Analogue Cel 254 K2 [ 15 ]. Key issues include rapid urban growth, increased vehicular traffic, urbanization, mechanization, and mobility, contributing to higher noise levels and long-term health risks. Effective mitigation strategies encompass traffic management, enhanced public transportation, urban planning measures like green spaces and sound barriers, comprehensive noise monitoring, stricter regulations, and technological innovations, all crucial for achieving quieter, healthier urban environments through targeted interventions and public awareness [ 7 – 16 ]. The primary objectives of this study are to identify and analyze the sources of noise pollution in Sikar City, assess the current pollution levels and their impacts on the local ecosystem and public health, and investigate how noise pollution affects the health and well-being of residents. The study aims to identify the underlying causes of environmental noise issues in Sikar by conducting the comprehensive review of case studies and existing literature. It evaluates the technologies designed to combat noise pollution and proposes actionable recommendations and strategies for effective mitigation. Therefore, the research aims to address the following questions: What are the primary sources of noise pollution in Sikar City? What were some of the key issues identified that contribute to higher noise levels in Sikar city? What effective mitigation strategies are proposed to address noise pollution in urban environments based on the reviewed literature? What method was used to determine optimal mitigation proposals for noise pollution in Sikar City? 2. Materials and methods 2.1 Methodology The methodology in Fig. 1 outlines a comprehensive framework for understanding and mitigating noise pollution in Sikar. It involves multiple phases, including data collection, data analysis, literature review, noise level measurements, and the development and implementation of mitigation strategies. By integrating advanced techniques such as the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the methodology aims to offer a robust approach to tackle noise pollution. 2.2 Study area Sikar is strategically located midway between Agra and Churu on National Highway 52, approximately 114 km from Jaipur, 320 km from Jodhpur, 215 km from Bikaner, and 280 km from Delhi. The city is a significant hub for agricultural trade, surrounded by large plains west of the Aravalli range, and serves as a significant rail and road junction, [ 6 ]featuring the intersection of Fatehpur Road (NH-52) and Jaipur Road (NH-52), as well as the Sikar Junction Railway Station. With an average elevation of 427 meters (1,401 ft.), Sikar's population has grown substantially over the past few decades. As of the 2011 Census of India, the population was approximately 237,579, with recent estimates suggesting continued growth driven by both natural growth and rural-to-urban migration [ 17 ]. The vehicle growth rate in Sikar has been notable, reflecting the broader trend of increased motorization in urban India. Over the past decade, the number of registered vehicles in Sikar has increased significantly, driven by economic development and rising incomes among the population [ 23 ]. Industrially, Sikar has a diverse economic base. The city and its surrounding region are known for textile manufacturing, particularly in weaving and dyeing, which forms a significant part of its industrial landscape [ 5 ]. In Sikar city, six continuous ambient noise monitoring stations are run by the Rajasthan state pollution control board. All of these stations are manual monitoring stations. Figure 2 shows the map of noise quality monitoring stations in Sikar City. Figure 3 shows the Google Earth images of the six noise quality monitoring stations. 2.3 Ambient air quality standards in respect of noise Ambient noise quality standards are given in Table 1 . Table 1 Ambient Noise Quality standards (Source: Rajasthan state pollution control board) Ambient air quality standards in respect of noise Area Code Category of Area/ Zone Limits in dB(A) Leq* Day Time Night Time (A) Industrial area 75 70 (B) Commercial area 65 55 (C) Residential area 55 45 (D) Silence Zone 50 40 3. Data collection and data analysis The primary data collection method was secondary data collection, which involved comprehensive noise measurements at various monitoring stations managed by the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board [ 18 ]. These stations include the RSPCB Office, Housing Board, Hotel Fortune Blue, Sri Kalyan Hospital, Municipal Office, and RIICO Office, totaling six continuous ambient noise monitoring locations. All these stations conducted manual monitoring. Figure 2 shows the map of Sikar city and the noise quality monitoring stations. Spatial mapping of noise levels was done using the data from these RSPCB-run stations. Additionally, noise data were collected from official websites such as the Central Pollution Control Board [ 22 ], and the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board [ 18 ], ensuring a robust and comprehensive dataset for assessing noise pollution levels. The RSPCB’s approach to noise monitoring helps identify noise-prone areas and aids in understanding the temporal patterns of noise pollution, especially during festivals like Deepawali. The data collected from these monitoring stations provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing noise control measures and highlight the need for additional strategies to manage noise pollution. For instance, noise levels tend to spike during festivals due to the increased use of firecrackers and other celebratory activities, often exceeding the prescribed limits and causing potential health hazards. Moreover, integrating data from various official sources, such as the CPCB and the RSPCB, enhances the comprehensiveness of the noise pollution dataset. The CPCB, as a statutory organization, provides Guidelines and standards for environmental quality, including noise, and its data serve as a critical reference for local monitoring efforts. This multi-source data collection approach ensures that the noise pollution assessment is both accurate and reflective of the actual conditions, thereby supporting more effective policymaking and regulatory enforcement. 3.1 Current readings of Sikar city 3.1.1 Noise measurements To assess the impact of noise levels in Rajasthan under the Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2000 [ 3 ], the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board [ 18 ] conducted year-round noise level monitoring. Monitoring was carried out during the day (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and night (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) in half-hour intervals with a sampling frequency of one second. To ensure uniformity, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Silence zones were selected by the noise standards prescribed according to the Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2000 [ 3 ]. It can be observed that the noise levels in most of the zones except industrial zones are high; hence, proper interventions have to be applied accordingly. Table 2 of noise level data from Sikar highlights distinct patterns across various zones residential, silence, commercial, and industrial and different times of day. Residential areas maintain relatively stable noise levels, with minor increases in January and April. Silence zones experience notable spikes, especially in February, suggesting occasional disturbances. Commercial zones consistently register the highest noise levels, with significant peaks in March and noticeable differences between day and night. Industrial areas show moderate, steady noise levels, with a slight increase in nighttime noise in April. Overall, night time noise levels are lower across all zones, reinforcing the trend that commercial areas are the loudest and residential areas the quietest. These observations underscore the need for targeted noise reduction strategies, particularly in commercial and silence zones, to improve residents' quality of life. Implementing such measures could mitigate disturbances and create a more serene urban environment. Table 2 Noise measurement from different monitoring stations, (Source: Rajasthan state pollution control board) Name of month Name/ point of locations Zone Leq (dB) Day time Night time January Regional Office, RS PCB, Shivsinghpura Housing Board, Nawalgarh Road. Sikar Residential 58.4 53 Near OPD Block, Sri Kalayan Hospital, Sikar Silence 61 56 Near Hotel Fortune Blue, Piprali Road, Sikar Commercial 74.2 64.6 Near RIICO Office, RIICO Industrial Area, Jaipur Road, Sikar Industrial 61.2 54.9 Near RIICO Office, RIICO Ind. Area, Sikar Industrial 62.8 56.9 February Regional Office, RSPCB, Shivsinghpura Residential 57.5 51.6 Housing Board, Nawalgarh Road. Sikar Near OPD Block, Sri Kalayan Hospital, Sikar Silence 69.2 62 Near Hotel Fortune Blue, Piprali Road, Sikar Commercial 75.5 64.8 Near RIICO Office, RIICO Industrial Area, Jaipur Road, Sikar Industrial 62.1 55.8 March Regional Office, RSPCB, Shivsinghpura Residential 52.2 51.3 Housing Board, Nawalgarh Road, Sikar Near OPD Block, Sri Kalayan Hospital , Sikar Silence 62.9 58.1 Near Hotel Fortune Blue, Piprali Road, Sikar Commercial 75.8 70.5 Near RIICO Office, RIICO Ind. Area, Sikar Industrial 62.8 56.9 Near Municipal Council Office, Sikar Commercial 68.9 65.3 April Regional Office, RSPCB, Shivsinghpura Residential 57.6 52.7 Housing Board, Nawalgarh Road, Sikar Near OPD Block, Sri Kalayan Hospital , Sikar Silence 60.6 60.4 Near Hotel Fortune Blue, Piprali Road, Sikar Commercial 72.2 63.8 Near RIICO Office, RIICO Ind. Area, Sikar Industrial 62.9 61.5 Near Municipal Council Office, Sikar Commercial 73.8 64.7 3.1.2 Current scenario Sikar faces significant environmental challenges threatening its sustainable development. Noise pollution due to urbanization, traffic, and industrial operations affects resident's quality of life, causing stress and health problems. Noise pollution in Sikar City is concentrated in specific areas, each facing unique challenges. The Ringas Road and Railway Station Area suffer from high traffic volumes and constant railway operations, leading to continuous vehicle noise and frequent honking, disrupting nearby residential and commercial zones. Bus Stand and Main Market Areas like Subhash Chowk and Bajaj Road experience high noise levels due to vehicular traffic, street vendors, and public gatherings, causing congestion-related disturbances that affect both shoppers and business operations. Residential areas near ongoing construction sites, such as Piprali Road, endure persistent noise from construction projects and heavy equipment, leading to complaints about disrupted sleep and reduced quality of life. Educational and hospital zones like Sikar Medical College and Shekhawati University face noise challenges from traffic, construction activities, and nearby commercial establishments, impacting learning and recovery environments. Cultural and religious venues, around Salasar Balaji Temple, experience elevated noise levels during religious ceremonies, festivals, and weddings, affecting surrounding residential areas, especially during late hours [ 2 ]. The locations with high noise levels are shown in Fig. 4. 3.1.3 Trend in noise level from 2017–2023 The data in Table 3 indicates that noise pollution levels consistently rise during Deepawali compared to pre-Deepawali days, with this trend observed from 2017 to 2023 in both commercial and residential areas. Over the years, noise levels in the commercial area have shown significant fluctuations, with Deepawali day noise levels increasing from 74.7 dB in 2021 to 80.8 dB in 2023. Commercial areas, near Hotel Fortune Blue on Piprali Road, typically exhibit higher noise levels than residential areas like Shivsinghpura Housing Board on Nawalgarh Road. In the residential area, noise levels also fluctuated but not as drastically, rising from 66.3 dB in 2021 to 68.7 dB in 2023. The standard limits for noise levels are 65 dB for daytime, 55 dB for nighttime in commercial areas, 55 dB for daytime and 45 dB for nighttime in residential areas. During Deepawali, noise levels frequently exceed the standard limits of 65 dB during the day, 55 dB at night for commercial areas, 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night for residential areas. For instance, in 2023, the commercial area's noise levels reached 83.4 dB at night during Deepawali, far exceeding the standard limits. In 2018, noise levels increased to 72.3 dB during the day and 66 dB at night during Deepawali. Similarly high levels were observed in 2019, with 72.7 dB during the day and 66.5 dB at night during Deepawali. While there was a notable decrease in noise levels in 2020, likely due to COVID-19 restrictions, subsequent years saw significant increases. Overall, the data underscores a growing concern regarding noise pollution management in Sikar during festive seasons, particularly in commercial zones where the levels have risen markedly in recent years. Even before Deepawali, the noise level exceeds the standard [ 2 ][ 18 ][ 26 ]. Table 3 Trend in noise level from 2017–2023, (Source: Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board) CITY NAME SIKAR Name of monitoring location Near Hotel Fortune Blue, Piprali Road, Sikar (Commercial) Shivsinghpura Housing Board, Nawalgarh Road, Sikar (Residential) Standard limits in dB(A) Leq* 65 55 55 45 Day/ Night Time Day Time Night Time Day Time Night Time 2017 Pre- Deepawali Day — — 62.6 50.9 Deepawali Day — — 68.6 61.5 2018 Pre- Deepawali Day — — 58.9 47.3 Deepawali Day — — 72.3 66 2019 Pre- Deepawali Day — — 60.2 56.6 Deepawali Day — — 72.7 66.5 2020 Pre- Deepawali Day — — 53.6 45.2 Deepawali Day — — 57.5 51.5 2021 Pre- Deepawali Day 74.7 69.9 56.6 49.7 Deepawali Day 75.2 71.7 66.3 61.8 2022 Pre- Deepawali Day 72.5 67.4 57.4 48.3 Deepawali Day 75 75.6 69.1 68.9 2023 Pre- Deepawali Day 75.1 66.1 60.4 58.1 Deepawali Day 80.8 83.4 68.7 62.9 4. Best practices for noise pollution Noise pollution mitigation involves a multi-faceted approach that includes traffic management, urban planning, infrastructure improvements, environmental enhancements, noise monitoring and regulations, public awareness campaigns, noise-reducing technologies, public transport development, building design and retrofitting, and strategic planning and continuous improvement. 4.1 Traffic Management Enhancing public transportation to reduce the number of private vehicles is crucial for managing urban noise. Implementing speed regulations helps curb noise from fast-moving vehicles, while promoting non-motorized transport options like walking and cycling, which contributes to a quieter environment. Utilizing traffic calming measures and implementing metaheuristic algorithms to optimize traffic flow can further reduce noise pollution. Additionally, widening streets and improving the quality of asphalt and street surfaces provide smoother driving conditions, which also helps reduce noise. Together, these strategies create a more efficient and quieter urban transportation network. Improving the quality of asphalt and street surfaces provides smoother driving conditions, which also helps in noise reduction. Together, these strategies create a more efficient and quieter urban transportation network. [ 7 – 10 ] 4.2 Urban Planning and Zoning Creating buffer zones, such as green belts, between residential and industrial areas can help mitigate noise pollution. Enforcing land use regulations to separate noisy activities from living spaces ensures a quieter environment for residents. Incorporating noise considerations into urban planning and designating quiet zones is essential for maintaining lower noise levels in sensitive areas. Additionally, strategically locating and orienting buildings, while promoting mixed-use, compact, and walkable urban forms, further contributes to a more peaceful and well-organized urban landscape [ 1 ],[ 2 ], [ 5 ],[ 6 ],[ 7 ],[ 9 ], and [ 10 ]. 4.3 Infrastructure Improvements Installing sound barriers and transparent sound insulation along major roads and highways helps to reduce noise pollution significantly. Using noise-absorbing materials in road construction and building facades mitigates the impact of traffic noise. Additionally, enhancing building shells and improving interior sound absorption create quieter and more comfortable living and working environments [ 1 ], [ 2 ], and [ 8 ]. 4.4 Environmental Enhancements Increasing the number of parks, green spaces, and urban forestry by planting trees along streets and in public areas acts as natural sound barriers, effectively reducing noise pollution. Implementing green roofs for noise absorption further enhances green and blue infrastructure, contributing to a quieter and more aesthetically pleasing urban environment [ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ], and [ 9 ]. 4.5 Noise Monitoring and Regulations Implementing noise monitoring systems citywide and identifying areas with high noise levels are crucial steps in managing urban noise pollution. Enforcing stricter noise limits in sensitive areas such as hospitals and residential zones helps protect vulnerable populations. The development and enforcement of noise standards, including creating noise maps for planning city developments, ensure that urban growth considers acoustic impacts. Establishing clear regulations for noise levels, zoning, and mitigation strategies provides a legal framework for effective noise control. Additionally, using technology to monitor noise levels and provide real-time data to the public enhances transparency and informed decision-making. [ 2 ], [ 6 ], and [ 10 ]. 4.6 Public Awareness Campaigns Educating residents, businesses, and policymakers about the health effects of noise pollution is essential for raising awareness and fostering a community-wide understanding of the issue. Promoting behavior changes to reduce noise emissions and increasing public participation in noise reduction efforts can significantly contribute to creating a quieter and healthier urban environment. [ 2 ], [ 7 ], and [ 9 ] and [ 10 ]. 4.7 Noise-Reducing Technologies Utilizing technological advancements like machine learning and neural networks to predict noise levels enables more accurate and proactive noise management. Implementing noise-reducing measures in building design and retrofitting projects further contributes to minimizing noise pollution, creating quieter and more comfortable living and working environments [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 6 ], and [ 7 ]. 4.8 Public Transport Development Encouraging quieter and more efficient public transportation helps reduce urban noise pollution and reliance on private vehicles. Promoting non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles further contributes to a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable urban environment. [ 13 ] [ 11 ] [ 16 ] [ 14 ]. 4.9 Building Design and Retrofitting Encouraging sound-absorbing materials in construction and implementing noise-reducing measures in building design and retrofitting projects are essential strategies for minimizing noise pollution. These approaches help create quieter and more comfortable living and working environments[ 11 ] [ 9 ] [ 16 ] [ 14 ]. 4.10 Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement Regularly updating noise policies based on data and public input ensures that regulations remain effective and responsive to the community's needs. Conducting comprehensive noise monitoring and tracking progress with medical records, surveys, and self-reported experiences provide valuable insights into the impact of noise pollution. Incorporating noise reduction measures in urban planning and infrastructure projects helps create quieter, more livable urban spaces. [ 11 ] [ 9 ] [ 14 ]. 5. Tools Methodologies 5.1 Spatial mapping Spatial mapping of noise levels was conducted using the data from the following stations: RSPCB Office, Housing Board, Hotel Fortune Blue, Sri Kalyan Hospital, Municipal Office, and RIICO Office. These stations served as data points, and the subsequent maps were created using GIS software. Figure 5 shows the process of spatial mapping. Analyzing the maps shown in Fig. 6 revealed significant patterns in noise pollution across different months and between day and night. Typically, noise levels increase from January to April as outdoor activities rise with warming temperatures. The daytime maps across different months show higher noise levels due to human activities like traffic, construction, and business operations. In comparison, nighttime maps generally reflect lower noise levels due to reduced activities. Each station's noise level can be compared, indicating that commercial areas like the Municipal Office and Hotel Fortune Blue might exhibit higher daily noise levels than residential area like the housing board. 5.2 Methodology for Analytic Hierarchy Process For the identification and implementation of best practices for solutions in Sikar City, the set of proposals was taken from the research papers and then categorized into four parameters to determine which one was effective. The identified four categories are Traffic Management, Eco Enhancements, Urban Planning Strategies, and Noise Mitigation Technology. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a powerful decision-making tool that evaluates and prioritizes various noise management practices. By structuring complex decisions into a hierarchical format, AHP allows for systematic comparison and ranking criteria that influence noise levels. Through pairwise comparisons, the relative importance of each criterion is assessed, with experts familiar with local conditions assigning weights based on their judgment. In the context of Sikar, the AHP framework has been applied to evaluate four categories: traffic management, eco enhancements, urban planning strategies, and noise mitigation technology. This method incorporates diverse perspectives and expert opinions to identify the most effective practices for improving air quality. Tables 4 , 5 , and 6 present the rankings provided by different participants, highlighting the most impactful practices when implemented individually or collectively. AHP facilitates comprehensive analysis and well-rounded conclusions by ensuring a balanced decision-making process. To identify and implement the best practices for Sikar City, proposals were sourced from research papers and categorized into four parameters. This structured approach helps determine which practices are most effective in enhancing air quality, whether applied individually or in combination. \(\:Consistency\:Index\:CI=\:(\lambda\:max-n)/(n-1\) ) $$\:Consistency\:Ratio\:CR=CI/RI$$ Table 4 Criteria ranking of Sample 1, Source: Author SAMPLE-1 Parameters Traffic Management Eco Enhancements Urban Planning Strategies Noise Mitigation Technology Traffic Management 1 3 0.5 0.333333333 Eco Enhancements 0.333333333 1 0.5 0.333333333 Urban Planning Strategies 2 2 1 0.333333333 Noise Mitigation Technology 3 3 3 1 Total 6.333333333 9 5 2 Table 5 Criteria ranking of Sample 2, Source: Author SAMPLE-2 Parameters Traffic Management Eco Enhancements Urban Planning Strategies Noise Mitigation Technology Traffic Management 1 2 2 0.5 Eco Enhancements 0.5 1 0.5 0.5 Urban Planning Strategies 0.5 2 1 0.333333333 Noise Mitigation Technology 2 2 3 1 Total 4 7 6.5 2.333333333 Table 6 Criteria ranking of Sample 3, Source: Author SAMPLE-3 Parameters Traffic Management Eco Enhancements Urban Planning Strategies Noise Mitigation Technology Traffic Management 1 0.5 0.333333333 2 Eco Enhancements 2 1 0.5 2 Urban Planning Strategies 3 2 1 3 Noise Mitigation Technology 0.5 0.5 0.333333333 1 Total 6.5 4 2.166666667 8 The Consistency Index (CI) and Consistency Ratio (CR) are fundamental components of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), playing a pivotal role in validating the reliability of pairwise comparisons between criteria. These metrics are instrumental in determining the logical coherence of participants' judgments. The calculations for CI and CR, as detailed in Tables 7 , 8 , and 9 , provide a clear picture of this consistency. The CI indicates the uniformity within the pairwise comparison matrix, quantifying the extent to which judgments deviate from perfect consistency. A CI value approaching zero is indicative of highly consistent judgments. In the context of noise level management, all three samples reflected substantial consistency across various Criteria. The CR offers a more holistic measure by comparing the CI to a Random Consistency Index (RI), which representing the average CI derived from numerous randomly generated matrices of equivalent size. The CR values for all three samples were within this acceptable range, underscoring the robustness of the judgments. Ensuring high consistency in pairwise comparisons is vital for decision-makers aiming to pinpoint the most effective strategies for enhancing noise quality. By incorporating consistency checks through CI and CR, the AHP-based evaluation process is reinforced, enhancing its credibility and reliability. This meticulous approach empowers decision-makers to make informed, confident choices in noise quality management. Table 7 CI and CR calculation of Sample 2, Source: Author SAMPLE-1 Traffic Management Eco Enhancements Urban Planning Strategies Noise Mitigation Technology Eigen Vector Percentage EV λmax Traffic Management 0.16 0.33 0.1 0.17 0.76 18.95 0.19 1.2 Eco Enhancements 0.05 0.11 0.1 0.17 0.43 10.76 0.11 0.9684 Urban Planning Strategies 0.32 0.22 0.2 0.17 0.9 22.62 0.23 1.1308 Noise Mitigation Technology 0.47 0.33 0.6 0.5 1.91 47.68 0.48 0.9535 Consistency Index 0.0843 Consistency Ratio 0.0936 Table 8 CI and CR calculation of Sample 2, Source: Author SAMPLE-2 Traffic Management Eco Enhancements Urban Planning Strategies Noise Mitigation Technology Eigen Vector Percentage EV λmax Traffic Management 0.25 0.29 0.31 0.21 1.06 26.44 0.26 1.0577 Eco Enhancements 0.13 0.14 0.08 0.21 0.56 13.98 0.14 0.9784 Urban Planning Strategies 0.13 0.29 0.15 0.14 0.71 17.69 0.18 1.1496 Noise Mitigation Technology 0.5 0.29 0.46 0.43 1.68 41.9 0.42 0.9776 Consistency Index 0.0544 Consistency Ratio 0.0604 Table 9 CI and CR calculation of Sample 3, and CR calculation of Sample 2, Source: Author SAMPLE-3 Traffic Management Eco Enhancements Urban Planning Strategies Noise Mitigation Technology Eigen Vector Percentage EV λmax Traffic Management 0.15 0.13 0.15 0.25 0.68 17.07 0.17 1.1094 Eco Enhancements 0.31 0.25 0.23 0.25 1.04 25.96 0.26 1.0385 Urban Planning Strategies 0.46 0.5 0.46 0.38 1.8 44.95 0.45 0.974 Noise Mitigation Technology 0.08 0.13 0.15 0.13 0.48 12.02 0.12 0.9615 Consistency Index 0.0278 Consistency Ratio 0.0309 The Consistency Index (CI) and Consistency Ratio (CR) values for Sample 1 indicate moderate inconsistency in the pairwise comparisons. However, since the CR is below 0.10, it is generally considered acceptable, suggesting that the judgments are pretty consistent. In comparison, Sample 2 exhibits lower CI and CR values than Sample 1, reflecting better consistency in the pairwise comparisons. The CR value for Sample 2 is well below the 0.10 threshold, indicating good consistency. Sample 3, with the lowest CI and CR values among the three samples, demonstrates the highest level of consistency in the pairwise comparisons. Its CR value is significantly below 0.10, showing high consistency in the judgments. Overall, the consistency of the pairwise comparisons improve from Sample 1 to Sample 3, as evidenced by the decreasing CI and CR values. Sample 3 exhibits the highest consistency, followed by Sample 2, and then Sample. The average values of all three samples are given in Table 10 . Table 10 Final AHP ranking, Source: Author Noise Variable Sample-1 Sample-2 Sample-3 AVERAGE RANK Traffic Management 18.95 26.44 17.07 20.82 3 Eco Enhancements 10.76 13.98 25.96 16.90 4 Urban Planning Strategies 22.62 17.69 44.95 28.42 2 Noise Mitigation Technology 47.68 41.90 12.02 33.86 1 6. Results and discussions Like many expanding urban centers, Sikar grapples with noise management challenges stemming from increasing vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and urbanization. Implementing a comprehensive noise management plan is essential for enhancing the health and well-being of its residents. The proposed measures are particularly suitable for Sikar due to their multifaceted approach, which effectively addresses pollution sources across various sectors. 6.1 Noise Mitigation Technology Implementing a comprehensive noise management plan is essential for enhancing the health and well-being of its residents. Installing sound barriers and transparent sound insulation along major roads and highways is crucial for reducing traffic noise in Sikar. These measures effectively deflect and absorb sound waves, preventing their transmission into residential and commercial areas. Supplementing this with noise-absorbing materials in road construction and building facades diminishes noise pollution by minimizing sound vibrations. Strengthening the design of new buildings facing streets by strategically placing of windows, balconies, and soundproofing materials will help mitigate noise intrusion, and enhance the urban living environment. Deploying citywide noise monitoring systems is critical to pinpointing high-noise areas and tailoring interventions accordingly. Enforcing stringent noise limits in sensitive locales such as hospitals and residential zones protects vulnerable populations from excessive noise-related health hazards. Developing comprehensive noise standards and maps aids urban planning, ensuring that new developments prioritize noise mitigation. Establishing clear regulations for noise levels, zoning, and mitigation strategies provides a structured framework for effective noise control measures across Sikar. 6.2 Urban Planning Strategies Sikar city is grappling with significant environmental challenges, marked by a notable increase in vehicle growth and industrial operations over the past decade (23). Increasing the presence of parks, green spaces, and urban forestry by strategically planting trees along streets and public areas as natural sound barrier, significantly reducing noise pollution in Sikar. These green initiatives absorb and deflect noise but also and contribute to the city's aesthetic appeal and ecological health. Green roofs enhance noise absorption capabilities while improving building insulation and mitigating urban heat island effects. Augmenting green and blue infrastructure with features like water elements and green walls will bolster overall noise reduction efforts, promoting a tranquil and sustainable urban landscape. Effective urban planning also involves enforcing buffer zones like green belts between residential and industrial zones, and strict land use regulations to segregate noisy activities. This ensures quieter living environments and controlled noise levels in residential areas. 6.3 Traffic Management To address the environmental challenges in Sikar, promoting quieter and more efficient public transportation systems is imperative while encouraging the use of non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles. This strategy reduces urban noise pollution mitigates air pollution and traffic congestion. Developing dedicated bike lanes and enhancing cycling infrastructure will facilitate safer and more widespread adoption of cycling, thereby fostering a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable transportation network. Effective traffic management is essential for mitigating urban noise pollution through various strategies. These include redirecting heavy traffic away from residential areas, implementing speed regulations to reduce engine and tire noise, and optimizing traffic flow with advanced algorithms. Infrastructure improvements such as widening streets and upgrading asphalt quality enhance driving conditions and minimize noise levels. 6.4 Eco Enhancements Increasing the presence of parks, green spaces, and urban forestry by strategically planting trees along streets and in public areas is a natural sound barrier, significantly reducing noise XS pollution in Sikar. These green initiatives absorb and deflect noise and contribute to the city's aesthetic appeal and ecological health. Green roofs enhance noise absorption capabilities while improving building insulation and mitigating urban heat island effects. Augmenting green and blue infrastructure with features like water elements and green walls will bolster overall noise reduction efforts, promoting a tranquil and sustainable urban landscape. Additionally, promoting eco-friendly transport options, like cycling and walking, contributes to a quieter and healthier urban environment, reducing the reliance on motorized vehicles. 7. Conclusion The comprehensive analysis of noise pollution in Sikar City has highlighted critical trends and noise levels that exceed national standards, posing significant risks to public health and quality of life. The primary sources of noise pollution, including traffic, industrial activities, and construction work, necessitate continuous noise monitoring, data-driven policy updates, and public engagement for effective management. Implementing the proposed noise management measures in Sikar will undoubtedly bring numerous benefits, but several challenges must be addressed to ensure their success. Securing necessary funds for large-scale infrastructure projects, such as sound barriers, green belts, and public transportation enhancements, presents a significant challenge, along with ongoing maintenance and operational costs for noise monitoring systems and public transportation. Technical and logistical hurdles arise from the need for advanced traffic management systems, metaheuristic algorithms, and retrofitting existing buildings with noise-absorbing materials and sound insulation. Additionally, encouraging public transportation and non-motorized vehicles may face resistance from individuals accustomed to using private vehicles, and implementing speed regulations and traffic calming measures might be unpopular among drivers. Environmental and spatial limitations present another hurdle, as creating green spaces and urban forestry requires available land, which can be scarce in densely populated areas. Implementing green roofs and other environmental enhancements may face structural and spatial constraints in existing buildings. Integrating noise-reducing technologies in industries and construction sites involves significant investment and technological adaptation, and ensuring compatibility and efficiency of noise monitoring systems with existing city infrastructure can be challenging. Health and safety considerations must also be considered, as implementing sound barriers and insulation measures should consider the potential impact on emergency services and access routes. Noise reduction measures must not compromise air quality or other environmental health aspects. The proposed strategies, such as sound barriers, green spaces, noise-reducing technologies, and enhanced public transportation, are crucial for mitigating noise levels. However, addressing challenges such as securing funding, technical integration, and behavioral resistance is essential for successful implementation. This study provides a comprehensive framework for assessing and mitigating noise pollution, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and community stakeholders. By adopting these strategies, Sikar City can enhance its urban environment, promote public health, and improve its residents’ overall quality of life. Declarations Author Contribution All authors contributed equally to the research and the development of the manuscript. Each author was involved in the conceptualization, methodology design, data collection and analysis, literature review, application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, and preparation of the manuscript text, figures, and tables. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgement We are particularly grateful to the Department of Planning and architecture, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, for their invaluable support and guidance. Data Availability The data supporting the findings of this study on noise quality in Sikar city are available from the following sources:1. Noise Monitoring Station Locations: The locations of the noise monitoring stations were obtained from the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (https://environment.rajasthan.gov.in/content/environment/en/rajasthan-state-pollution-control-board.html.html#).2. Noise Values: The noise level data were retrieved from the RSPCB Management Information System, accessible at (https://rspcbmis.environment.rajasthan.gov.in/Laboratory/Lab_Sample_Noise_Avg_Report.aspx)3. Noise Values (2024): The noise values for specific months of 2024 have been acquired from the specific month wise reports, available at (https://environment.rajasthan.gov.in/content/environment/en/rajasthan-state-pollution-control-board/NoiseQualityBulletin.html)4. Diwali Season Noise Report: Specific data on noise levels during the Diwali season are available in the environmental report published by the RSPCB, accessible at (https://environment.rajasthan.gov.in/content/environment/en/rajasthan-state-pollution-control-board/EnvironmentalReport/noise-monitoring-report.html)5. The AHP tables prepared by the authors are available at (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xXmgaTXM_djJlu1vmYHVDAls-PpSdlfmZvv5GCp1YMA/edit?usp=sharing) References District environment plan for Sikar District Submitted By: Shri Avichala Chaturvedi, IAS District Collector and District Magistrate Sikar, Rajasthan Prepared By: MNIT Jaipur, Rajasthan https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/content/dam/environment/Env/District%20Environment%20Plan/DEP_Sikar.pdf https://rajasthan.gov.in/ UN environment programme frontiers 2022 report, Francesco Aletta, 2022 https://www.unep.org/resources/frontiers-2022-noise-blazes-and-mismatches The noise pollution (regulation and control) rules, 2000, https://wwfin.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/the_noise_pollution__regulation_and_control__rules__2000.pdf Central Pollution Control Board https://cpcb.nic.in/ Assessment of Industrial Pollution in Rajasthan: A Case Study of Sikar https://www.isdesr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/20.manisa.pdf Hierarchal assessment of noise pollution in urban areas – A case study https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1361920914001436 Noise pollution in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR): An emerging environmental threat https:// pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32002686/#:~:text=Noise%20 pollution%20in%20urban%20areas,psychological%20health%20of%20the%20citizens. Performance of FHWA model for predicting traffic noise: A case study of Metropolitan city, Lucknow (India) https://doi.org/10.3846/1648-4142.2009.24.234-240 Evaluation of traffic noise pollution using geographic information system and descriptive statistical method: a case study in Mashhad, Iran https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s 11356-022-18532-4 URBAN NOISE POLLUTION PREVENTION — TOKYO CASE STUDY https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347558974_Urban_Noise_Pollution_Prevention_-_Tokyo_Case_Study Noise Pollution Analysis of Reserved Areas: Case Study of the Isparta Ayazmana https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361699968_Noise_Pollution_Analysis_of_Reserved_Areas_Case_Study_of_the _Isparta_Ayazmana_Promenade_Area Evaluation of environmental noise in Mexico City – Previous initiatives and proposal for future improvement https://www.sea-acustica.es/INTERNOISE_2019/Fchrs/Proceedings/1537.pdf Noise pollution in the high-traffic areas and proposed solutions: A case study in Ilam, Iran https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361256837_Noise_pollution_in_the_high-traffic_areas_and_proposed_solutions_A_case_study_in_Ilam_Iran Role of noise pollution on urban design in new cities (Case Study: New Cairo) https://journals.ekb.eg/article_330274.html Evaluation of noise pollution caused by vehicles in the city of Tokat, Turkey https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228663918_Evaluation_of_noise_pollution_caused_by_vehicles_in_the_city_of_Tokat_Turkey Census India, 2011 https://censusindia.gov.in/census.website/ Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board World Health Organization (WHO) https://www.who.int/ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States https://www.epa.gov/ European Union (EU) Directive 2002/49/EC https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2002/49/oj The Central Pollution Control Board https://cpcb.nic.in/ Transport Department, Rajasthan, 2020 https://transport.rajasthan.gov.in/content/transportportal/en.html Spatiotemporal monitoring and assessment of noise pollution in an urban setting (sciencedirectassets.com) Mitigating air and noise pollution through highway capping: The Bundang-Suseo Highway Cap Project case study (sciencedirectassets.com) Noise Quality Bulletin (rajasthan.gov.in) https:// environment.rajasthan.gov.in/content/environment/en/rajasthan-state-pollution-control-board/NoiseQualityBulletin.html Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. 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09:38:09","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4717051/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4717051/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":62652910,"identity":"df0d71f1-dccd-49a3-8278-c000d775e4dc","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-08-17 01:05:00","extension":"jpg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":59419,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFlowchart of methodology, (Source: Author)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4717051/v1/d682fdc969ec93a793e463e2.jpg"},{"id":62654792,"identity":"94e3e6e9-6aff-49a5-84aa-4ff710b5b81e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-08-17 01:29:00","extension":"jpg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":99413,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSikar map showing location of noise level monitoring stations, (Source: Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4717051/v1/0f14413edd9a509c53778e62.jpg"},{"id":62654028,"identity":"5456bdc8-2a2a-4e66-9d05-b0558a26a6b2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-08-17 01:21:00","extension":"jpg","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":177295,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLocations of Sikar noise level monitoring stations, (Source: Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, Google Earth)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4717051/v1/ed780c0f39ec5bc6819a52d0.jpg"},{"id":62652914,"identity":"bf274eaf-28f5-402d-befd-648fcacd71e7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-08-17 01:05:00","extension":"jpg","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":178705,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLocations of excess noise levels in Sikar city, (Source: Rajasthan Environment Department, Google Earth)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4717051/v1/6eff3eb73e0e499c2a0ef204.jpg"},{"id":62653542,"identity":"b6f718f3-dcd6-4096-82c8-b087424d61c0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-08-17 01:13:00","extension":"jpg","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":45052,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFlowchart of spatial data analysis, Source: Author\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4717051/v1/08cf9013f4ed303dce688b6d.jpg"},{"id":62652915,"identity":"df8ea61c-8f99-4c15-aa05-d7b6698db5fa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-08-17 01:05:00","extension":"jpg","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":282763,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSpatial maps showing noise level distribution, Source: Author\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4717051/v1/371f58cf8c0955fb60a9f76d.jpg"},{"id":66879161,"identity":"09f457c7-aebd-47e3-84f4-a47ad805449f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-10-17 11:46:47","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1821079,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4717051/v1/d33b3202-e01a-49ee-b304-9ac835f21462.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Assessing and mitigating noise pollution in Sikar city: strategies and solutions","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eNoise is defined as unwanted sound that disrupts normal activities and quality of life. When excessive noise is present in the environment, it constitutes noise pollution. Humans typically cannot tolerate noise levels exceeding 85 decibels (dB). [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e] Noise pollution is a significant global environmental issue recognized as a top health risk across all demographics. According to the UN Environment Program\u0026rsquo;s \"Frontiers 2022\" report [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e], prolonged exposure to high noise levels adversely impacts human health and well-being, making it a growing concern for the public and policymakers. Conventional sources of noise pollution include roads, railways, airports, and industrial activities, while domestic and leisure activities also contribute significantly [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn India, noise pollution poses a significant challenge due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and increasing vehicular traffic. The Noise Pollution Regulation and Control Rules, 2000 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e], set permissible noise levels for various zones, and the Central Pollution Control Board [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e] monitors compliance through the National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network. Despite these regulations, noise pollution affects millions, causing hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, and stress-related health issues. High noise levels from traffic, industries, construction, and cultural festivities disrupt daily life. The sources of noise pollution square measure typically multiply throughout festivals like Diwali, during which the hearth haywire square measure is answerable for pollution. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe case study area, Sikar, is located in northeastern Rajasthan, and serves as the administrative headquarters of the Sikar district. The city is 114 km from Jaipur, the state capital, with robust road and rail connectivity. At elevation of 427 meters, Sikar is a key urban center in the Shekhawati region. Sikar faces significant environmental challenges threatening its sustainable development.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLike many rapidly urbanizing regions, Sikar City faces significant noise pollution challenges. Various studies and articles highlight the primary sources and impacts of noise pollution in this area. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis research paper aims to comprehensively assess and mitigate noise pollution in Sikar City, presenting strategies and solutions from various case studies. A review of ten research papers, from 2009 to 2024, was conducted to identify new proposals and their limitations concerning noise pollution. The study provides an in-depth overview of noise pollution, examining its sources, effects, and the measures currently being implemented to reduce its impact. The selected research papers were chosen for their relevance to issues similar to those in Sikar City, facilitating the identification of practical proposals and their limitations. These papers encompass various issues, parameters, methodologies, and tools used in noise pollution research. Research papers on noise pollution employed various parameters that are crucial in the comprehensive analysis of noise pollution, encompassing factors such as Equivalent Continuous Sound Level (Leq), Day-Night Noise Levels (LDN), Noise Limit Exceedance Factor (NEF), and Average Exceedance Factor (AEF). These measurements are compared against World Health Organization standards [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e], utilizing calibrated sound level meters (SLMs) for accuracy. They followed the national and local regulations: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, European Union (EU) Directive 2002/49/EC, and The Central Pollution Control Board. Studies also examine traffic volume, speed, and geometric parameters across different road types and conditions, focusing on residential, commercial, and mixed-use areas. Spatial analysis considers noise intensity variations around landmarks, peak hours, and factors like land use, population density, economic activities, transportation types, building density, green spaces, and cultural practices [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR21\" citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eClassifying noise levels into defined ranges further enhances understanding, facilitating the development of effective noise mitigation strategies and policies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGIS software facilitated spatial mapping to identify urban noise hotspots, aiding targeted noise control and urban planning. Sophisticated instruments and software, such as the B\u0026amp;K2230 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e], BSWA 308 \u0026ndash; Class I [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e], CEL-440 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e], Leutron model [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e], IEC/ANSI Type 2 Free-Field Transducer [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e], Real-Time Analyzer (Audio Tools iOS Software) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e], and Bruel \u0026amp; Kjaer type 4231 calibrator\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] Were used for precise ambient noise readings and mobile monitoring. Traffic noise was measured with handheld radar and GPS data from the VISTA Garmin HCX [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. Data analysis and noise mapping were conducted using SPSS 16.0 and ArcGIS [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e], respectively, and additional field surveys utilized tools like the Sonometer and Analogue Cel 254 K2 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. Key issues include rapid urban growth, increased vehicular traffic, urbanization, mechanization, and mobility, contributing to higher noise levels and long-term health risks. Effective mitigation strategies encompass traffic management, enhanced public transportation, urban planning measures like green spaces and sound barriers, comprehensive noise monitoring, stricter regulations, and technological innovations, all crucial for achieving quieter, healthier urban environments through targeted interventions and public awareness [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR8 CR9 CR10 CR11 CR12 CR13 CR14 CR15\" citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe primary objectives of this study are to identify and analyze the sources of noise pollution in Sikar City, assess the current pollution levels and their impacts on the local ecosystem and public health, and investigate how noise pollution affects the health and well-being of residents.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study aims to identify the underlying causes of environmental noise issues in Sikar by conducting the comprehensive review of case studies and existing literature. It evaluates the technologies designed to combat noise pollution and proposes actionable recommendations and strategies for effective mitigation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore, the research aims to address the following questions:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat are the primary sources of noise pollution in Sikar City?\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat were some of the key issues identified that contribute to higher noise levels in Sikar city?\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat effective mitigation strategies are proposed to address noise pollution in urban environments based on the reviewed literature?\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat method was used to determine optimal mitigation proposals for noise pollution in Sikar City?\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Materials and methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 Methodology\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe methodology in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e outlines a comprehensive framework for understanding and mitigating noise pollution in Sikar. It involves multiple phases, including data collection, data analysis, literature review, noise level measurements, and the development and implementation of mitigation strategies. By integrating advanced techniques such as the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the methodology aims to offer a robust approach to tackle noise pollution.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Study area\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSikar is strategically located midway between Agra and Churu on National Highway 52, approximately 114 km from Jaipur, 320 km from Jodhpur, 215 km from Bikaner, and 280 km from Delhi. The city is a significant hub for agricultural trade, surrounded by large plains west of the Aravalli range, and serves as a significant rail and road junction, [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]featuring the intersection of Fatehpur Road (NH-52) and Jaipur Road (NH-52), as well as the Sikar Junction Railway Station. With an average elevation of 427 meters (1,401 ft.), Sikar's population has grown substantially over the past few decades. As of the 2011 Census of India, the population was approximately 237,579, with recent estimates suggesting continued growth driven by both natural growth and rural-to-urban migration [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe vehicle growth rate in Sikar has been notable, reflecting the broader trend of increased motorization in urban India. Over the past decade, the number of registered vehicles in Sikar has increased significantly, driven by economic development and rising incomes among the population [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. Industrially, Sikar has a diverse economic base. The city and its surrounding region are known for textile manufacturing, particularly in weaving and dyeing, which forms a significant part of its industrial landscape [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. In Sikar city, six continuous ambient noise monitoring stations are run by the Rajasthan state pollution control board. All of these stations are manual monitoring stations. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e shows the map of noise quality monitoring stations in Sikar City. Figure\u0026nbsp;3 shows the Google Earth images of the six noise quality monitoring stations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3 Ambient air quality standards in respect of noise\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmbient noise quality standards are given in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmbient Noise Quality standards\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Credit\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(Source: Rajasthan state pollution control board)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmbient air quality standards in respect of noise\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eArea Code\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategory of Area/ Zone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLimits in dB(A) Leq*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDay Time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNight Time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(A)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndustrial area\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(B)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommercial area\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(C)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eResidential area\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(D)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSilence Zone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Data collection and data analysis","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe primary data collection method was secondary data collection, which involved comprehensive noise measurements at various monitoring stations managed by the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. These stations include the RSPCB Office, Housing Board, Hotel Fortune Blue, Sri Kalyan Hospital, Municipal Office, and RIICO Office, totaling six continuous ambient noise monitoring locations. All these stations conducted manual monitoring. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e shows the map of Sikar city and the noise quality monitoring stations. Spatial mapping of noise levels was done using the data from these RSPCB-run stations. Additionally, noise data were collected from official websites such as the Central Pollution Control Board [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e], and the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e], ensuring a robust and comprehensive dataset for assessing noise pollution levels. The RSPCB\u0026rsquo;s approach to noise monitoring helps identify noise-prone areas and aids in understanding the temporal patterns of noise pollution, especially during festivals like Deepawali. The data collected from these monitoring stations provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing noise control measures and highlight the need for additional strategies to manage noise pollution. For instance, noise levels tend to spike during festivals due to the increased use of firecrackers and other celebratory activities, often exceeding the prescribed limits and causing potential health hazards. Moreover, integrating data from various official sources, such as the CPCB and the RSPCB, enhances the comprehensiveness of the noise pollution dataset. The CPCB, as a statutory organization, provides Guidelines and standards for environmental quality, including noise, and its data serve as a critical reference for local monitoring efforts. This multi-source data collection approach ensures that the noise pollution assessment is both accurate and reflective of the actual conditions, thereby supporting more effective policymaking and regulatory enforcement.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Current readings of Sikar city\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.1 Noise measurements\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo assess the impact of noise levels in Rajasthan under the Noise Pollution (Regulation \u0026amp; Control) Rules, 2000 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e], the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e] conducted year-round noise level monitoring. Monitoring was carried out during the day (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and night (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) in half-hour intervals with a sampling frequency of one second. To ensure uniformity, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Silence zones were selected by the noise standards prescribed according to the Noise Pollution (Regulation \u0026amp; Control) Rules, 2000 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt can be observed that the noise levels in most of the zones except industrial zones are high; hence, proper interventions have to be applied accordingly. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e of noise level data from Sikar highlights distinct patterns across various zones residential, silence, commercial, and industrial and different times of day. Residential areas maintain relatively stable noise levels, with minor increases in January and April. Silence zones experience notable spikes, especially in February, suggesting occasional disturbances. Commercial zones consistently register the highest noise levels, with significant peaks in March and noticeable differences between day and night. Industrial areas show moderate, steady noise levels, with a slight increase in nighttime noise in April. Overall, night time noise levels are lower across all zones, reinforcing the trend that commercial areas are the loudest and residential areas the quietest. These observations underscore the need for targeted noise reduction strategies, particularly in commercial and silence zones, to improve residents' quality of life. Implementing such measures could mitigate disturbances and create a more serene urban environment.\u003c/p\u003e \n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNoise measurement from different monitoring stations, (Source: Rajasthan state pollution control board)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 4.9e+2pt;margin-left:-.25pt;border-collapse:collapse;border:none;\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width:45.25pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.35pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family: \"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#0A0A0A;'\u003eName of month\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width:215.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.35pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#0A0A0A;'\u003eName/ point of locations\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width:1.25in;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.35pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#0A0A0A;'\u003eZone\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"width:135.0pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.35pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#0A0A0A;'\u003eLeq (dB)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.25pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#0A0A0A;'\u003eDay time\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.25pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#0A0A0A;'\u003eNight time\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" style=\"width:45.25pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:24.3pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:black;'\u003eJanuary\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:24.3pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eRegional Office, RS PCB, Shivsinghpura Housing Board, Nawalgarh Road. Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:24.3pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eResidential\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:24.3pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e58.4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:24.3pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e53\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:21.15pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eNear OPD Block, Sri Kalayan Hospital, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:21.15pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eSilence\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:21.15pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e61\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:21.15pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e56\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.05pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eNear Hotel Fortune Blue, Piprali Road, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.05pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eCommercial\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.05pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e74.2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.05pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e64.6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eNear RIICO Office, RIICO Industrial Area, Jaipur Road, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eIndustrial\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003e61.2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003e54.9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:23.4pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:black;'\u003eNear RIICO Office, RIICO Ind. Area, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:23.4pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:black;'\u003eIndustrial\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:23.4pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:black;'\u003e62.8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:23.4pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:black;'\u003e56.9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" style=\"width:45.25pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:black;'\u003eFebruary\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eRegional Office, RSPCB, Shivsinghpura\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eResidential\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e57.5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e51.6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.3pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eHousing Board, Nawalgarh Road. Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:21.15pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eNear OPD Block, Sri Kalayan Hospital, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:21.15pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eSilence\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:21.15pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e69.2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:21.15pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e62\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.5pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eNear Hotel Fortune Blue, Piprali Road, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.5pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eCommercial\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.5pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e75.5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.5pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e64.8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.95pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eNear RIICO Office, RIICO Industrial Area, Jaipur Road, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.95pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003eIndustrial\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.95pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003e62.1\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.95pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;'\u003e55.8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" style=\"width:45.25pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family: \"Times New Roman\",serif;color:black;'\u003eMarch\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 215.75pt;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 14.65pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eRegional Office, RSPCB, Shivsinghpura\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eResidential\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003e52.2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.65pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e51.3\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 215.75pt;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 17.55pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eHousing Board, Nawalgarh Road, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 215.75pt;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 17.1pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eNear OPD Block, Sri Kalayan Hospital\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#383838;'\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eSikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 1.25in;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 17.1pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eSilence\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 1in;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 17.1pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e62.9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63pt;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 17.1pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e58.1\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 215.75pt;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 22.05pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eNear Hotel Fortune Blue, Piprali Road, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 1.25in;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 22.05pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eCommercial\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 1in;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 22.05pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e75.8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63pt;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 22.05pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e70.5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 215.75pt;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 0.3in;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eNear RIICO Office, RIICO Ind. Area, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 1.25in;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 0.3in;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eIndustrial\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 1in;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 0.3in;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003e62.8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63pt;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 0.3in;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003e56.9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 215.75pt;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 22.05pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eNear Municipal Council Office, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 1.25in;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 22.05pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eCommercial\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 1in;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 22.05pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e68.9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 63pt;border-top: none;border-left: none;border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext;border-right: 1pt solid windowtext;padding: 0in 5.4pt;height: 22.05pt;vertical-align: bottom;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e65.3\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" style=\"width:45.25pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.55pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:black;'\u003eApril\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.55pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eRegional Office, RSPCB, Shivsinghpura\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.55pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eResidential\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.55pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e57.6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:17.55pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e52.7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.5pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eHousing Board, Nawalgarh Road, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.05pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eNear OPD Block, Sri Kalayan Hospital\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#383838;'\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eSikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.05pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eSilence\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.05pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e60.6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.05pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e60.4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.05pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eNear Hotel Fortune Blue, Piprali Road, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.05pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eCommercial\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.05pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e72.2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:22.05pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e63.8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:30.6pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eNear RIICO Office, RIICO Ind. Area, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:30.6pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eIndustrial\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:30.6pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003e62.9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:30.6pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003e61.5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:215.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:36.45pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eNear Municipal Council Office, Sikar\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.25in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:36.45pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:#080808;'\u003eCommercial\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:1.0in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:36.45pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e73.8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width:63.0pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:36.45pt;\"\u003e\n \u003cp style='margin:0in;font-size:15px;font-family:\"Cambria Math\",serif;text-align:center;'\u003e\u003cspan style='font-size:12px;font-family:\"Times New Roman\",serif;color:red;'\u003e64.7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.2 Current scenario\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSikar faces significant environmental challenges threatening its sustainable development. Noise pollution due to urbanization, traffic, and industrial operations affects resident's quality of life, causing stress and health problems. Noise pollution in Sikar City is concentrated in specific areas, each facing unique challenges. The Ringas Road and Railway Station Area suffer from high traffic volumes and constant railway operations, leading to continuous vehicle noise and frequent honking, disrupting nearby residential and commercial zones. Bus Stand and Main Market Areas like Subhash Chowk and Bajaj Road experience high noise levels due to vehicular traffic, street vendors, and public gatherings, causing congestion-related disturbances that affect both shoppers and business operations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResidential areas near ongoing construction sites, such as Piprali Road, endure persistent noise from construction projects and heavy equipment, leading to complaints about disrupted sleep and reduced quality of life. Educational and hospital zones like Sikar Medical College and Shekhawati University face noise challenges from traffic, construction activities, and nearby commercial establishments, impacting learning and recovery environments. Cultural and religious venues, around Salasar Balaji Temple, experience elevated noise levels during religious ceremonies, festivals, and weddings, affecting surrounding residential areas, especially during late hours [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. The locations with high noise levels are shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;4.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.3 Trend in noise level from 2017\u0026ndash;2023\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data in Table\u0026nbsp;3 indicates that noise pollution levels consistently rise during Deepawali compared to pre-Deepawali days, with this trend observed from 2017 to 2023 in both commercial and residential areas. Over the years, noise levels in the commercial area have shown significant fluctuations, with Deepawali day noise levels increasing from 74.7 dB in 2021 to 80.8 dB in 2023. Commercial areas, near Hotel Fortune Blue on Piprali Road, typically exhibit higher noise levels than residential areas like Shivsinghpura Housing Board on Nawalgarh Road. In the residential area, noise levels also fluctuated but not as drastically, rising from 66.3 dB in 2021 to 68.7 dB in 2023. The standard limits for noise levels are 65 dB for daytime, 55 dB for nighttime in commercial areas, 55 dB for daytime and 45 dB for nighttime in residential areas. During Deepawali, noise levels frequently exceed the standard limits of 65 dB during the day, 55 dB at night for commercial areas, 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night for residential areas.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor instance, in 2023, the commercial area's noise levels reached 83.4 dB at night during Deepawali, far exceeding the standard limits. In 2018, noise levels increased to 72.3 dB during the day and 66 dB at night during Deepawali. Similarly high levels were observed in 2019, with 72.7 dB during the day and 66.5 dB at night during Deepawali. While there was a notable decrease in noise levels in 2020, likely due to COVID-19 restrictions, subsequent years saw significant increases. Overall, the data underscores a growing concern regarding noise pollution management in Sikar during festive seasons, particularly in commercial zones where the levels have risen markedly in recent years. Even before Deepawali, the noise level exceeds the standard [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;3\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrend in noise level from 2017\u0026ndash;2023,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(Source: Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabc\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCITY NAME\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSIKAR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eName of monitoring location\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNear Hotel Fortune Blue, Piprali Road, Sikar (Commercial)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eShivsinghpura Housing Board, Nawalgarh Road, Sikar (Residential)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStandard limits in dB(A) Leq*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDay/ Night Time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDay Time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNight Time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDay Time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNight Time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2017\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePre- Deepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2018\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePre- Deepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2019\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePre- Deepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2020\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePre- Deepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePre- Deepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e74.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2022\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePre- Deepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2023\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePre- Deepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeepawali Day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Best practices for noise pollution","content":"\u003cp\u003eNoise pollution mitigation involves a multi-faceted approach that includes traffic management, urban planning, infrastructure improvements, environmental enhancements, noise monitoring and regulations, public awareness campaigns, noise-reducing technologies, public transport development, building design and retrofitting, and strategic planning and continuous improvement.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.1 Traffic Management\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnhancing public transportation to reduce the number of private vehicles is crucial for managing urban noise. Implementing speed regulations helps curb noise from fast-moving vehicles, while promoting non-motorized transport options like walking and cycling, which contributes to a quieter environment. Utilizing traffic calming measures and implementing metaheuristic algorithms to optimize traffic flow can further reduce noise pollution. Additionally, widening streets and improving the quality of asphalt and street surfaces provide smoother driving conditions, which also helps reduce noise. Together, these strategies create a more efficient and quieter urban transportation network. Improving the quality of asphalt and street surfaces provides smoother driving conditions, which also helps in noise reduction. Together, these strategies create a more efficient and quieter urban transportation network. [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR8 CR9\" citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.2 Urban Planning and Zoning\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreating buffer zones, such as green belts, between residential and industrial areas can help mitigate noise pollution. Enforcing land use regulations to separate noisy activities from living spaces ensures a quieter environment for residents.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIncorporating noise considerations into urban planning and designating quiet zones is essential for maintaining lower noise levels in sensitive areas. Additionally, strategically locating and orienting buildings, while promoting mixed-use, compact, and walkable urban forms, further contributes to a more peaceful and well-organized urban landscape [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e],[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e],[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e],[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e],[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e], and [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.3 Infrastructure Improvements\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eInstalling sound barriers and transparent sound insulation along major roads and highways helps to reduce noise pollution significantly. Using noise-absorbing materials in road construction and building facades mitigates the impact of traffic noise. Additionally, enhancing building shells and improving interior sound absorption create quieter and more comfortable living and working environments\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e], and [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.4 Environmental Enhancements\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIncreasing the number of parks, green spaces, and urban forestry by planting trees along streets and in public areas acts as natural sound barriers, effectively reducing noise pollution. Implementing green roofs for noise absorption further enhances green and blue infrastructure, contributing to a quieter and more aesthetically pleasing urban environment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e], and [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.5 Noise Monitoring and Regulations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eImplementing noise monitoring systems citywide and identifying areas with high noise levels are crucial steps in managing urban noise pollution. Enforcing stricter noise limits in sensitive areas such as hospitals and residential zones helps protect vulnerable populations. The development and enforcement of noise standards, including creating noise maps for planning city developments, ensure that urban growth considers acoustic impacts. Establishing clear regulations for noise levels, zoning, and mitigation strategies provides a legal framework for effective noise control. Additionally, using technology to monitor noise levels and provide real-time data to the public enhances transparency and informed decision-making. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e], and [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.6 Public Awareness Campaigns\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducating residents, businesses, and policymakers about the health effects of noise pollution is essential for raising awareness and fostering a community-wide understanding of the issue. Promoting behavior changes to reduce noise emissions and increasing public participation in noise reduction efforts can significantly contribute to creating a quieter and healthier urban environment. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e], and [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e] and [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.7 Noise-Reducing Technologies\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eUtilizing technological advancements like machine learning and neural networks to predict noise levels enables more accurate and proactive noise management.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImplementing noise-reducing measures in building design and retrofitting projects further contributes to minimizing noise pollution, creating quieter and more comfortable living and working environments [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e], and [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.8 Public Transport Development\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEncouraging quieter and more efficient public transportation helps reduce urban noise pollution and reliance on private vehicles. Promoting non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles further contributes to a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable urban environment. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e] [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e] [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e] [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.9 Building Design and Retrofitting\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEncouraging sound-absorbing materials in construction and implementing noise-reducing measures in building design and retrofitting projects are essential strategies for minimizing noise pollution. These approaches help create quieter and more comfortable living and working environments[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e] [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e] [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e] [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.10 Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegularly updating noise policies based on data and public input ensures that regulations remain effective and responsive to the community's needs. Conducting comprehensive noise monitoring and tracking progress with medical records, surveys, and self-reported experiences provide valuable insights into the impact of noise pollution. Incorporating noise reduction measures in urban planning and infrastructure projects helps create quieter, more livable urban spaces. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e] [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e] [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5. Tools Methodologies","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e5.1 Spatial mapping\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpatial mapping of noise levels was conducted using the data from the following stations: RSPCB Office, Housing Board, Hotel Fortune Blue, Sri Kalyan Hospital, Municipal Office, and RIICO Office. These stations served as data points, and the subsequent maps were created using GIS software. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e shows the process of spatial mapping.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalyzing the maps shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e revealed significant patterns in noise pollution across different months and between day and night. Typically, noise levels increase from January to April as outdoor activities rise with warming temperatures. The daytime maps across different months show higher noise levels due to human activities like traffic, construction, and business operations. In comparison, nighttime maps generally reflect lower noise levels due to reduced activities. Each station's noise level can be compared, indicating that commercial areas like the Municipal Office and Hotel Fortune Blue might exhibit higher daily noise levels than residential area like the housing board.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e5.2 Methodology for Analytic Hierarchy Process\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor the identification and implementation of best practices for solutions in Sikar City, the set of proposals was taken from the research papers and then categorized into four parameters to determine which one was effective. The identified four categories are Traffic Management, Eco Enhancements, Urban Planning Strategies, and Noise Mitigation Technology. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a powerful decision-making tool that evaluates and prioritizes various noise management practices. By structuring complex decisions into a hierarchical format, AHP allows for systematic comparison and ranking criteria that influence noise levels. Through pairwise comparisons, the relative importance of each criterion is assessed, with experts familiar with local conditions assigning weights based on their judgment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the context of Sikar, the AHP framework has been applied to evaluate four categories: traffic management, eco enhancements, urban planning strategies, and noise mitigation technology. This method incorporates diverse perspectives and expert opinions to identify the most effective practices for improving air quality. Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e present the rankings provided by different participants, highlighting the most impactful practices when implemented individually or collectively. AHP facilitates comprehensive analysis and well-rounded conclusions by ensuring a balanced decision-making process. To identify and implement the best practices for Sikar City, proposals were sourced from research papers and categorized into four parameters. This structured approach helps determine which practices are most effective in enhancing air quality, whether applied individually or in combination.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:Consistency\\:Index\\:CI=\\:(\\lambda\\:max-n)/(n-1\\)\u003c/span\u003e \u003c/span\u003e)\u003cdiv id=\"Equa\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\u003cdiv format=\"TEX\" class=\"mathdisplay\" id=\"FileID_Equa\" name=\"EquationSource\"\u003e\n$$\\:Consistency\\:Ratio\\:CR=CI/RI$$\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCriteria ranking of Sample 1, Source: Author\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSAMPLE-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eParameters\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.333333333\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.333333333\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.333333333\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.333333333\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.333333333\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCriteria ranking of Sample 2, Source: Author\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSAMPLE-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eParameters\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.333333333\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.333333333\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCriteria ranking of Sample 3, Source: Author\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSAMPLE-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eParameters\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.333333333\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.333333333\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.166666667\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Consistency Index (CI) and Consistency Ratio (CR) are fundamental components of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), playing a pivotal role in validating the reliability of pairwise comparisons between criteria. These metrics are instrumental in determining the logical coherence of participants' judgments. The calculations for CI and CR, as detailed in Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e, provide a clear picture of this consistency. The CI indicates the uniformity within the pairwise comparison matrix, quantifying the extent to which judgments deviate from perfect consistency. A CI value approaching zero is indicative of highly consistent judgments. In the context of noise level management, all three samples reflected substantial consistency across various\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCriteria. The CR offers a more holistic measure by comparing the CI to a Random Consistency Index (RI), which representing the average CI derived from numerous randomly generated matrices of equivalent size. The CR values for all three samples were within this acceptable range, underscoring the robustness of the judgments. Ensuring high consistency in pairwise comparisons is vital for decision-makers aiming to pinpoint the most effective strategies for enhancing noise quality.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBy incorporating consistency checks through CI and CR, the AHP-based evaluation process is reinforced, enhancing its credibility and reliability. This meticulous approach empowers decision-makers to make informed, confident choices in noise quality management.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCI and CR calculation of Sample 2, Source: Author\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSAMPLE-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEigen Vector\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEV\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eλmax\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9684\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1308\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9535\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eConsistency Index 0.0843\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eConsistency Ratio 0.0936\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 8\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCI and CR calculation of Sample 2, Source: Author\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSAMPLE-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEigen Vector\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEV\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eλmax\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.0577\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9784\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1496\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9776\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eConsistency Index 0.0544\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eConsistency Ratio 0.0604\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab8\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 9\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCI and CR calculation of Sample 3, and CR calculation of Sample 2, Source: Author\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSAMPLE-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEigen Vector\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEV\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eλmax\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1094\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.0385\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.974\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9615\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsistency Index 0.0278\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsistency Ratio 0.0309\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Consistency Index (CI) and Consistency Ratio (CR) values for Sample 1 indicate moderate inconsistency in the pairwise comparisons. However, since the CR is below 0.10, it is generally considered acceptable, suggesting that the judgments are pretty consistent. In comparison, Sample 2 exhibits lower CI and CR values than Sample 1, reflecting better consistency in the pairwise comparisons. The CR value for Sample 2 is well below the 0.10 threshold, indicating good consistency. Sample 3, with the lowest CI and CR values among the three samples, demonstrates the highest level of consistency in the pairwise comparisons. Its CR value is significantly below 0.10, showing high consistency in the judgments. Overall, the consistency of the pairwise comparisons improve from Sample 1 to Sample 3, as evidenced by the decreasing CI and CR values. Sample 3 exhibits the highest consistency, followed by Sample 2, and then Sample. The average values of all three samples are given in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab9\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 10\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinal AHP ranking, Source: Author\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSample-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSample-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSample-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAVERAGE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRANK\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraffic Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEco Enhancements\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban Planning Strategies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoise Mitigation Technology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"6. Results and discussions","content":"\u003cp\u003eLike many expanding urban centers, Sikar grapples with noise management challenges stemming from increasing vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and urbanization. Implementing a comprehensive noise management plan is essential for enhancing the health and well-being of its residents. The proposed measures are particularly suitable for Sikar due to their multifaceted approach, which effectively addresses pollution sources across various sectors.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e6.1 Noise Mitigation Technology\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eImplementing a comprehensive noise management plan is essential for enhancing the health and well-being of its residents. Installing sound barriers and transparent sound insulation along major roads and highways is crucial for reducing traffic noise in Sikar. These measures effectively deflect and absorb sound waves, preventing their transmission into residential and commercial areas. Supplementing this with noise-absorbing materials in road construction and building facades diminishes noise pollution by minimizing sound vibrations. Strengthening the design of new buildings facing streets by strategically placing of windows, balconies, and soundproofing materials will help mitigate noise intrusion, and enhance the urban living environment. Deploying citywide noise monitoring systems is critical to pinpointing high-noise areas and tailoring interventions accordingly. Enforcing stringent noise limits in sensitive locales such as hospitals and residential zones protects vulnerable populations from excessive noise-related health hazards. Developing comprehensive noise standards and maps aids urban planning, ensuring that new developments prioritize noise mitigation. Establishing clear regulations for noise levels, zoning, and mitigation strategies provides a structured framework for effective noise control measures across Sikar.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec27\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e6.2 Urban Planning Strategies\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSikar city is grappling with significant environmental challenges, marked by a notable increase in vehicle growth and industrial operations over the past decade (23). Increasing the presence of parks, green spaces, and urban forestry by strategically planting trees along streets and public areas as natural sound barrier, significantly reducing noise pollution in Sikar. These green initiatives absorb and deflect noise but also and contribute to the city's aesthetic appeal and ecological health. Green roofs enhance noise absorption capabilities while improving building insulation and mitigating urban heat island effects. Augmenting green and blue infrastructure with features like water elements and green walls will bolster overall noise reduction efforts, promoting a tranquil and sustainable urban landscape. Effective urban planning also involves enforcing buffer zones like green belts between residential and industrial zones, and strict land use regulations to segregate noisy activities. This ensures quieter living environments and controlled noise levels in residential areas.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec28\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e6.3 Traffic Management\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo address the environmental challenges in Sikar, promoting quieter and more efficient public transportation systems is imperative while encouraging the use of non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles. This strategy reduces urban noise pollution mitigates air pollution and traffic congestion. Developing dedicated bike lanes and enhancing cycling infrastructure will facilitate safer and more widespread adoption of cycling, thereby fostering a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable transportation network. Effective traffic management is essential for mitigating urban noise pollution through various strategies. These include redirecting heavy traffic away from residential areas, implementing speed regulations to reduce engine and tire noise, and optimizing traffic flow with advanced algorithms. Infrastructure improvements such as widening streets and upgrading asphalt quality enhance driving conditions and minimize noise levels.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec29\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e6.4 Eco Enhancements\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIncreasing the presence of parks, green spaces, and urban forestry by strategically planting trees along streets and in public areas is a natural sound barrier, significantly reducing noise XS pollution in Sikar. These green initiatives absorb and deflect noise and contribute to the city's aesthetic appeal and ecological health. Green roofs enhance noise absorption capabilities while improving building insulation and mitigating urban heat island effects. Augmenting green and blue infrastructure with features like water elements and green walls will bolster overall noise reduction efforts, promoting a tranquil and sustainable urban landscape. Additionally, promoting eco-friendly transport options, like cycling and walking, contributes to a quieter and healthier urban environment, reducing the reliance on motorized vehicles.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"7. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe comprehensive analysis of noise pollution in Sikar City has highlighted critical trends and noise levels that exceed national standards, posing significant risks to public health and quality of life. The primary sources of noise pollution, including traffic, industrial activities, and construction work, necessitate continuous noise monitoring, data-driven policy updates, and public engagement for effective management.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImplementing the proposed noise management measures in Sikar will undoubtedly bring numerous benefits, but several challenges must be addressed to ensure their success. Securing necessary funds for large-scale infrastructure projects, such as sound barriers, green belts, and public transportation enhancements, presents a significant challenge, along with ongoing maintenance and operational costs for noise monitoring systems and public transportation. Technical and logistical hurdles arise from the need for advanced traffic management systems, metaheuristic algorithms, and retrofitting existing buildings with noise-absorbing materials and sound insulation. Additionally, encouraging public transportation and non-motorized vehicles may face resistance from individuals accustomed to using private vehicles, and implementing speed regulations and traffic calming measures might be unpopular among drivers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnvironmental and spatial limitations present another hurdle, as creating green spaces and urban forestry requires available land, which can be scarce in densely populated areas. Implementing green roofs and other environmental enhancements may face structural and spatial constraints in existing buildings. Integrating noise-reducing technologies in industries and construction sites involves significant investment and technological adaptation, and ensuring compatibility and efficiency of noise monitoring systems with existing city infrastructure can be challenging. Health and safety considerations must also be considered, as implementing sound barriers and insulation measures should consider the potential impact on emergency services and access routes. Noise reduction measures must not compromise air quality or other environmental health aspects.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe proposed strategies, such as sound barriers, green spaces, noise-reducing technologies, and enhanced public transportation, are crucial for mitigating noise levels. However, addressing challenges such as securing funding, technical integration, and behavioral resistance is essential for successful implementation. This study provides a comprehensive framework for assessing and mitigating noise pollution, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and community stakeholders. By adopting these strategies, Sikar City can enhance its urban environment, promote public health, and improve its residents\u0026rsquo; overall quality of life.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll authors contributed equally to the research and the development of the manuscript. Each author was involved in the conceptualization, methodology design, data collection and analysis, literature review, application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, and preparation of the manuscript text, figures, and tables. All authors reviewed and approved the final\u0026nbsp;manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe are particularly grateful to the Department of Planning and architecture, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, for their invaluable support and guidance.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data supporting the findings of this study on noise quality in Sikar city are available from the following sources:1. Noise Monitoring Station Locations: The locations of the noise monitoring stations were obtained from the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (https://environment.rajasthan.gov.in/content/environment/en/rajasthan-state-pollution-control-board.html.html#).2. Noise Values: The noise level data were retrieved from the RSPCB Management Information System, accessible at (https://rspcbmis.environment.rajasthan.gov.in/Laboratory/Lab_Sample_Noise_Avg_Report.aspx)3. Noise Values (2024): The noise values for specific months of 2024 have been acquired from the specific month wise reports, available at (https://environment.rajasthan.gov.in/content/environment/en/rajasthan-state-pollution-control-board/NoiseQualityBulletin.html)4. Diwali Season Noise Report: Specific data on noise levels during the Diwali season are available in the environmental report published by the RSPCB, accessible at (https://environment.rajasthan.gov.in/content/environment/en/rajasthan-state-pollution-control-board/EnvironmentalReport/noise-monitoring-report.html)5. 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(sciencedirectassets.com)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNoise Quality Bulletin (rajasthan.gov.in)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehttps://\u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003eenvironment.rajasthan.gov.in/content/environment/en/rajasthan-state-pollution-control-board/NoiseQualityBulletin.html\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"http://environment.rajasthan.gov.in/content/environment/en/rajasthan-state-pollution-control-board/NoiseQualityBulletin.html\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"
[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Noise pollution, noise monitoring, mitigation strategies, analytic hierarchy process","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4717051/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4717051/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis study investigates noise pollution in Sikar City, focusing on identifying sources, measuring health and environmental impacts, and proposing mitigation strategies. The objectives include analyzing noise pollution sources, assessing their effects on public health and the environment, and reviewing case studies to evaluate current policies and technologies. Data from Sikar City's noise monitoring stations were analyzed to identify significant pollution sources such as traffic, industrial activities, and construction work. Additionally, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was used to determine optimal proposals for the city. A literature review of ten relevant studies provided insights into common noise pollution issues and effective mitigation strategies. The findings revealed that noise levels often exceeded national standards, necessitating targeted strategies for reduction. The proposed mitigation measures aim to support the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board and other stakeholders in enhancing regional environmental management.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Assessing and mitigating noise pollution in Sikar city: strategies and solutions","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-08-17 01:04:55","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4717051/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"
[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"c8303c5a-4a5d-4fb1-b10a-dfcff3c98f36","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 17th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-10-17T11:38:40+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-08-17 01:04:55","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4717051","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4717051","identity":"rs-4717051","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}
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