Mumbai traffic police launches 'No Honking Day' today to curb unnecessary honking and reduce noise pollution
3 min read 13 Jun 2023, 06:50 AM ISTMumbai Police's Traffic Control Branch has announced a 'No Honking Day' on June 14 to reduce noise pollution. Violators will face action under the Motor Vehicle Act and the Environment Protection Act.
PremiumMumbai Police's Traffic Control Branch has taken a significant step to address the issue of noise pollution and its detrimental effects on public health. They have announced the observance of a 'No Honking Day' on Wednesday that is today, June 14, aimed at curbing the unnecessary use of vehicle horns. With noise pollution causing harm to both the environment and human health, the police are urging motorists to positively respond to this initiative by refraining from honking their horns.
Controlling noise pollution
To ensure compliance with noise pollution regulations, the Mumbai Traffic Police has advised all motorists to ensure that their vehicle horns meet the guidelines specified in Rule 119 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. Violators who engage in needless blaring of their vehicle horns will face action under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Environment Protection Act.
The Traffic Control Branch said, “We urge all the drivers and riders in Mumbai city, except ambulances, fire brigades and other vehicles on emergency duties, not to honk the horns of their vehicle on 14 June 2023 and other days as well."
Support from anti-noise pollution crusaders
Sumaira Abdulali, a prominent advocate for reducing noise pollution and the founder of the 'Awaz Foundation,' has wholeheartedly welcomed the police's initiative. Abdulali emphasized that the last time such an exercise was carried out in Mumbai was 17 years ago in 2006, highlighting the pressing need for renewed efforts. The 'Awaz Foundation' has collaborated with the police, conducting studies on the adverse effects of unnecessary honking. Abdulali urged the police to extend this initiative to all days, emphasizing the severity of the issue and the importance of consistent action.
The impact of honking on noise pollution
Research conducted by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) indicates that honking is a major component of traffic noise. A comprehensive study conducted by Dr. Ritesh Vijay, a senior principal scientist at NEERI, revealed that honking contributes significantly to noise pollution levels. The 2018 report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also quantified noise levels in major Indian cities, including Mumbai, as exceeding 80 decibels, indicating a pressing need for intervention.
Silence zones and health implications
Recognizing the adverse effects of noise pollution on vulnerable individuals, the Noise Pollution Rules and orders from the Supreme Court and High Courts have established restrictions on decibel levels and horn usage in residential and silence zones. Silence zones, encompassing areas near hospitals, courts, religious places, and educational institutions, require sound levels to stay below 40 decibels at night. This stringent requirement is essential to safeguard public health, ensure the delivery of justice, facilitate prayer and meditation, and improve learning outcomes in educational settings.
Link between hearing loss and alzheimer's disease
In addition to the immediate effects on well-being, recent studies have highlighted a correlation between hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease. A study tracking 639 adults for nearly 12 years found that mild hearing loss doubled the risk of dementia, while moderate loss tripled the risk, as reported by Forbes India. Those with severe hearing impairment were five times more likely to develop dementia.