The Millennium city Gurugram today observed as No Honking day to generate awareness against Honking without reason and noise pollution.
Members of the Non Government Organisation The Earth Saviours Foundation, Gurgaon police, NSG commando’s held a No Honking Campaign at Gurugram Faridabad Toll plaza by displaying banners, posters and putting stickers on passing vehicles.
‘Honking without reason on Indian roads is most offending noise. It can be easily notice at traffic signals, where drivers start blowing horns without waiting for signals to turn green or for traffic to move on. Drivers show no respect to follow law, prohibiting use of horn at traffic signals and other silent zones such as near hospitals, schools, religious places or residential complexes. Vehicular honking in metropolitan cities has reached an alarming level; it contributes about 70% to noise pollution in our environment. “ said Mr Ravi Kalra ,founder president The Earth Saviours Fondation.
“World wide it has been proved that noise is a silent killer. It is not just a nuisance but a health hazard too. Besides causing irritation, it subliminally causes constriction of blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure and causing stress and further cardio-vascular ailments. Continual exposure to moderate noise levels causes gradual loss of hearing; a sudden loss occurs when subjected to high decibels even for a short duration.” Said Mr Kalra
“There are adequate legal provisions such as Environment Protection Act 1986 (EPA-1989), the Motor Vehicles Act 1989 (MVA-1989) and Noise Rules-2000 under EPA-1989 to curb noise. Punishment under the EPA is more severe and supercedes all other laws. The police must use these provisions to curb noise” He added .
“‘No Honking Day’ has been observed to generate awareness campaign as in most of the cases Honking occurs essentially because all categories of road users violate traffic rules and honkers believe that it clears the way for them. This is a misconception. Perhaps one can begin by getting good road-user practices back on the agenda including ensuring slowing down of vehicle or halting before the pedestrian crossing at any road intersection.. Providing electronic countdown boards at intersections to ensure timely movement of stationary vehicles. Preventing vehicles crossing the painted median at intersections and obstructing or slowing down traffic in the opposite direction. And ensure that necessary traffic planning is done during road construction.and penalizing punishing Pedestrians who speak on the mobile phone while crossing roads.” Said Mr Kalra.
