At a signal, there is a gap of a few feet between a vehicle and the one in front. Anticipating that the light will turn green in a few seconds, motorists start to honk, like a reminder to the ones in front… in what has become a ritual.
The preferred mode of communication in a city always on the run seems to be shrill horns and incessant honking. Adding to this cacophony is the clamour of construction work, shrill pierces of welders and cutters, and loud festivities.
After harsh censure from the High Court over inaction, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) — which monitors noise pollution under Section 31(a) of the Air (Prevention and Control Pollution) Act — has started the process of filing criminal charges against the Transport Commissioner, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike and the Police Commissioner. “The charges will be submitted to the court when the matter comes for hearing in the coming week,” said Vaman Acharya, Chairman, KSPCB.
Though the court has directed removal of loudspeakers from religious places, KSPCB officials said action has not been taken so far.
“It is a sensitive issue. We understand the practical difficulties of attempting to clamp down on temples, churches or masjids,” said an official.
Campaign to restartKSPCB admits that serious action against officials will remain only a partial solution without compliance from the public. Awareness campaigns so far have had little immediate effect. ‘No-honk Mondays’, which attempted to dissuade motorists from using their horns, died a slow death within six weeks of its start in June last year. The overall reduction was marginal — just 2.5 to 5 per cent was seen on Mondays — while the effect was temporary, said Mr. Acharya.
“We will restart the campaign on Wednesday. We do not expect immediate results, but we hope some awareness is created,” he said.
