Quietly obey ‘No Horn Day’ on Mondays

Think before you honk. Bangalore traffic police in association with Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Koramangala Residents Welfare Association and an automobile showroom will launch the ‘Every Monday No Horn Day’ programme to create awareness about the ills of noise pollution.

The initiative will be launched at Koramangala, one of the busiest localities in the city, on an experimental basis.

Based on the response, it will be extended to other parts of the city.

“Koramangala has a large number of vehicles during peak hours and commuters honk repeatedly especially at traffic junctions. This not only irks co-drivers but also creates noise pollution. Many are not aware that honking increases noise pollution. This programme was designed in consultation with members of Koramangala Residents Welfare Association,” said Eric Mascarenhas, who works as a development manager in the showroom.

“Every Monday we will choose two important junctions in Koramangala — one in the morning and the other in the evening. We have put up LED display boards that show noise levels. Our activists will be present there and identity those who honk and give them handbills that explain the ills of noise pollution. This will continue for next three months in Koramangala,” he said.

A senior traffic police official said it was a good initiative.

 “However, expecting a change in attitude of vehicle users would be optimistic.Anyway, we must encourage such programmes.”

Efforts by traffic police to change the attitude of motorists has evoked a lukewarm response.

Motorists ignore the presence of “Silent Zone” boards near places like hospitals and educational institutions.