Noise pollution is a major problem in urban areas. A by-product of urbanisation and industrialisation, noise pollution is acknowledged as having many adverse health effects. Noise and its level is an important parameter of air quality, the excessive presence of which has deleterious effects on human health as well as the well-being of wildlife.

World Health Organisation in their ‘Report on Community noise (paragraph 3 of page 19),” has, asserted thus: "Viewed globally, the growth in urban environmental noise pollution is unsustainable, because it involves not simply the direct and cumulative adverse effects on health. It also adversely affects future generations by degrading residential, social and learning environments, with corresponding economical losses (Berglund 1998). Thus, noise is not simply a local problem, but a global issue that affects everyone (Lang 1999; Sandberg 1999) and calls for precautionary action in any environmental planning situation.”

One of the key factors raising noise pollution in urban areas is vehicular traffic. 55% of the total urban noise in India is attributable to vehicular traffic. There has been a spurt in the number of vehicles, expansion of road network, thanks to industrialisation and urbanisation. All these have resulted in considerable increase in noise pollution levels of most Indian cities in the last few decades.

It is medically proven that continued exposure to high-decibel noise of horns can cause severe physiological and psychological impacts on the pedestrians. It can cause ear drum damage and may even lead to deafness. High degree of noise is shown to hinder the normal development of speech and hearing in children, resulting in delayed developmental milestones affecting their overall growth. 

To contain the ill-effects of use of horns, legislatory change was introduced through Rule 119 to Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The noise range for horns has been fixed between 93 and 112 decibels (dB). Vehicles are not expected to exceed these limits. It is with the object of bringing in controls and maintaining standards of ambient air quality that the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 were framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 read with Rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has proposed a new set of fines between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1 lakh for those who violate norms restricting noise pollution under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

A study conducted recently showed that the ambient noise level in seven major cities in India was suggestive of the fact that every 9 out of 10 localities were showing noise levels beyond accepted limits both during day and night. At some stations, noise levels recorded were nearly more than double the allowed norms. This is typical of India’s urban areas and it, thus, becomes important for authorities to take effective steps to control and regulate noise pollution to protect millions of people. That there has not been much of a reduction in vehicular sound or honking frequency even after all these goes to prove that the steep fines proposed by Central Pollution Control Board, India’s pollution watch-dog, have not created any impact in reducing pollution so far. Apart from practical difficulties in implementing the rules, there are issues connected with enforcing physical compliance too.

India is a nation known for its noisy roads. Nowhere else in the world do people honk like the Indians do. It is not surprising to note that Delhi and Mumbai are two cities that fare as the 2nd and 4th noisiest cities in the world, if we go by a study conducted by SINTEF, a Norwegian-based research organisation, in 2017, using data on noise pollution from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Yet, the same unheeding Indian does know the art of self-restraint and patience and values it, if s/he happens to be driving in locations out of the country.

It is, thus, imperative that we must consider adoption of alternative functional means to educate and enhance awareness about noise pollution as also to monitor and control honking and noise on roads. The object of the petition is nothing else, but to suggest ways to create awareness about the bad effects of unrestricted honking and request a definite action plan to bring in measures to control such unabated use of vehicle horns.

This representation is to make an appeal that one day in every week be declared as a (honk-free) “DAY OF SILENCE” when no vehicles other than Ambulances and Fire Service Vehicles may ever use horns, except for strict emergency. Every state and UT in India may be asked to declare one notified day of every week to be a QUIET DAY, when the vehicles are not to honk on the roads. Any violation on this day be made illegal and fined. Thus one designated day every week in each state will truly turn a totally NOISE-FREE day.

The difference will be starkly felt and it would apart from effectively conveying the government’s intent to reduce noise pollution, inculcate a habit of driving vehicles without undue dependence on the horns.

The method presented is nothing new. Some of the Metros have tried this before, on a voluntary, and participative basis, rather than as a mandatory provision. The present appeal is to suggest that this be made a compulsory movement and part of the legal mandate so that people do fall in line with the proposition.

This appeal is being presented to the Ministries of Environment and Forests and Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, and the Ministers concerned. A copy is being furnished to the Central Pollution Control Board too.  It is earnestly believed that due regard be given to the matter mooted and action initiated to bring on changes necessary on paper and in action to implement the request, in the genuine interest of the health and well-being of the nation and its citizens.

My prayer is purely in the public interest and with the object of making our environment a healthier one. Kindly lend your official might to help further the object.