Environmental Stressors of Urbanization: The Noise and Air Pollution Impacts of Islamabad’s Road Network

Abstract

Increased urbanization in Islamabad, Pakistan has seen phenomenal growth in the expansions of the total road network for the purpose of providing mobility. However, these have given rise to some undesirable environmental and safety impacts including noise and air pollution impacts. This paper considers these damages using statistical analysis details demonstrating that, for the widened roads, hour peak traffic flows above 4500 vehicles, and noise levels above 85 dB which are higher than the WHO recommended limit of 55 dB. This index shows the PM2.5 concentrations on the most important streets are 130µg/m³ which is far beyond the permitted levels. The results prove that these stressors negatively affect perceived safety and quality of life according to research theoretical models of Environmental Stress Theory and Risk Homeostasis Theory. To meet these critical objectives, policy recommendations are concerned with issues such as sustainable urbanism, footway improvement and pollution management. The study also underlines the contribution of community participation and advanced technology to support the process of sustainable urban development.