Traffic cops to launch anti-noise drive

Police will hold seminars, workshops in schools, colleges, IT parks

Following the increasing noise levels in the city, the Navi Mumbai traffic police department has planned to start an anti-noise campaign next month.

The traffic police are planning to start a week-long awareness campaign to curb the menace. This is the first time that the traffic police will hold seminars and workshops to spread awareness on noise pollution among citizens.

“We will conduct a number of activities as a part of the anti-noise pollution campaign. The campaign will include seminars at schools and colleges, IT parks, commercial areas and public places,” said Arvind Salve, deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Navi Mumbai traffic police.

“We are also trying to rope in activists to conduct talks. We also plan to make short films and screen it at local multiplexes for creating social awareness. Besides, banners and posters will be put up at important roads and junctions,” he said.

Salve said that the final dates for the campaign have not been finalised yet, as they were planning the schedule.

Officials said they had received a lot of complaints on their helpline numbers and email from residents about honking in several parts of the city, even in silence zones near hospitals and schools.

“Motorists are also found honking on major roads such as Palm Beach Road or SionPanvel highway which is of no use,” said the traffic official.

Last year, in September, the state government had issued a notification in the same regard asking all the Regional Transport Offices across the state to take stern action against motorists flouting noise norms. But, no drive has been taken to check the same yet.

Citizens were also encouraged to record videos every time they hear a driver honking unnecessarily and send the clips to the RTO office.

“According to the notification we received last year, we will issue a show-cause notice to the vehicle after getting a complaint and levy a fine of Rs1, 000,” said Sanjay Dhaygude, deputy RTO, Vashi.

“If drivers fail to respond within a stipulated period, they would be fined Rs2,000. However, no such complaint has been registered yet,” Dhaygude added.

Residents said honking is a problem across the city and many vehicles flout norms. “I live near Fortis Hospital at Sector 10, Vashi, with my parents who are senior citizens. There is a constant problem of honking in the area. Motorists create noise pollution in the area that has a hospital, residential societies, schools and colleges,” said Siddhesh Rao, 24.

Vashi resident and activist Ajay Marathe said the anti-noise awareness campaign is needed as most motorists usually flout rules.

“Vehicles install multitoned horns even though they are banned. Some even have sirens even though they are allowed only for special vehicles. Motorists are found honking continuously even at the signals. If noise pollution is reduced, it would create a healthy environment,” Marathe said.