The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Sound pollution: awareness has not led to action

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Friday, Oct 31, 2008
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Kerala - Kochi

Sound pollution: awareness has not led to action

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: A survey conducted among drivers, conductors, traffic policemen, shopkeepers and commuters has revealed that while most of them are aware that high level sounds of horns can affect hearing in people, few have taken action to stop it, including the traffic policemen.

While a majority of the bus commuters feel that sounding the horn is unnecessary most of the time, the drivers, conductors and 60 per cent of traffic policemen believe that sounding the horn is necessary.

The shopkeepers say that the sound of horns affects their efficiency during peak times. Those with closed doors are little disturbed. The traffic policemen, shopkeepers and the commuters agree that the sound is rather irritating.

These are some of the findings of a survey conducted by the social work students of the Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, as part of the initiative, ‘Safe Sound Safe Ear’, launched by the Kochi branch of the Indian Medical Association.

Surprisingly, a large number of bus drivers and conductors (76-80 per cent) are aware that sounding the horn is harmful for them, causes problem to the public (over 90 per cent) with respect to hearing and add to nuisance value.

While the drivers and conductors are aware of the silent zones, they are not aware of the practice of sounding horns in other countries. They are also not aware of the sound levels of horn.

The survey also indicates that people are ready to react to the problem if there is an organised movement.

The drivers and conductors said that they are ready to attend awareness classes on the subject if they are conducted at bus stands.

Very few people have reacted on the spot to the drivers because of the fear of finding no support.

Thirty five students of Bachelor of Social Work of the college had carried out the survey at Aluva, North Kalamssery, Ernakulam North, Edappally and High Court junction.

Nearly 500 shopkeepers and over 350 traffic policemen, passengers, drivers and conductors were interviewed. for the survey

The sample presented to the IMA had comments of 50 commuters, 50 drivers and conductors, 20 traffic policemen and 50 shop owners and workers.

The Association of Otolaryngologists of India has supported the initiative.

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