Silent Streets and Urban Soundscapes: Examining Noise Levels in Imphal, Manipur amid COVID-19

Abstract

The study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban soundscape dynamics in Imphal, Manipur, focusing on noise levels during restricted mobility and reduced economic activity. This study uses sound measurements and qualitative observations to explore the changes in ambient noise within the city, analyzing the implications of decreased vehicular traffic, commercial operations, and social activities on the acoustic environment. Through a comparative analysis of pre-pandemic and pandemic-induced noise levels, this research aims to delineate the alterations in the acoustic landscape, shedding light on the city’s auditory transformation during the pandemic-induced lockdowns. Moreover, it examines the relationship between altered soundscapes and the community’s well-being, considering potential implications for urban planning and public health policies. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between societal changes, environmental acoustics, and the lived experience of urban environments amidst extraordinary circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic.