Mumbai Steps Up To Curb Noise Pollution; City to Observe 'No Honking Day' on June 14

"Unnecessary honking causes environmental noise pollution and adversely affects human health. We urge motorists to positively respond to the 'No Honking Day' by not honking the horns of their vehicles," said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pravin Padwal.

The Mumbai Traffic Police has also advised all motorists to ensure that the horns on their vehicles are as per Rule 119 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.

"Action will be taken against those who indulge in needless blaring of their vehicle horns as per the MV Act and also Environment Protection Act, 1986," warned Padwal.

The Mumbai Traffic Control Branch also called upon all the drivers and riders in Mumbai city to refrain from honking on June 14 and other days. However, ambulances, fire brigades and other on-duty emergency vehicles will be exempted.

"This is the need of the hour. Awaz has done several sessions with the police on this menace, and we have studied the ill effects of honking without adequate reasons. We appeal to the police to ensure that it should not be only this Wednesday, but even all other days henceforth," Abdulali told IANS.

She said that motorcycles are the worst noise polluters on the roads, touching as high as 110 decibels, and most other vehicles are in the range of 90-100 decibels which is a matter of grave concern. Since the fines for honking nuisance have been doubled, the law is in favour of the police.

Mumbai has an estimated vehicle population of around 43 lahks, comprising two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars, light and heavy motor vehicles, goods carriers, etc.

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The above article has been published from a wire source with minimal modifications to the headline and text.