A public health engineer measures the sound level at a busy traffic intersection using a sound level meter and obtains a reading of 88 dB during daytime. As per the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000, this reading in a commercial area is:

• A Within the permissible daytime limit of 75 dB
• B Within the permissible daytime limit of 55 dB
• C Exceeds the permissible daytime limit of 65 dB ✓
• D Exceeds the permissible nighttime limit of 70 dB

Explanation

The Noise Pollution Rules 2000 set daytime (6 AM to 10 PM) ambient noise limits for commercial areas at 65 dB(A) Leq. A reading of 88 dB exceeds this limit by a significant margin. Option A of 75 dB is the daytime limit for industrial areas, not commercial. Option B of 55 dB is the daytime limit for residential areas. Option D mixes the industrial night limit (70 dB) and does not address the daytime commercial classification relevant to the question.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine / Noise Pollution Rules 2000, 27th ed.

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