Mumbai Cuts Noise Pollution to Improve Health

Tying high noise levels to an increase in heart and mental health issues, traffic police in Mumbai are hoping to reduce car honking to improve the health of residents of the city. A report in The Indian Expressstates that a new campaign is being launched to reduce noise pollution in the city from vehicle honking, following the success of noise reduction efforts from fire crackers during Diwali.

Dr John Panicker, national coordinator of the Indian Medical Association’s Safe Sound Initiative said that noise from excessive honking can lead to heart and mental health problems.

Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz Foundation said, “The slump in noise levels during Diwali was a relief. Mumbai was low on noise and air pollution compared to several other cities.” She said the Awaaz Foundation is hoping noise pollution levels will go down further once motorists cut down on honking.

The report notes that there have already been 12,000 cases of drivers being cited for causing "incessant and unexplained honking," with 1,000 cited for causing noise pollution.