Silent zones are not too quiet, save one: NMMC

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Silent zones are not too quiet, save one: NMMC
​Priyanka Dhomse,TNN | Sep 13, 2015, 12.34 AM IST

NAVI MUMBAI: The NMMC Environment Status Report, 2014-2015 reveals that Digha ward office has recorded the highest noise pollution level while Vashi ward office and Juhugaon recorded the lowest. 

The report also states that all silent zones under NMMC exceeded the average limit of 50dB levels except the one at CBD Belapur. 

The city consists of seven traffic areas, among which, Digha ward office has recorded the 69.88 dB—the highest noise pollution level among traffic areas. The Vashi ward office and Juhugaon have recorded the lowest—65.13dB, while the remaining traffic areas has recorded the noise levels between 65-70 dB. 

Lack of awareness, illegal parking on streets and unnecessary honking are the main reasons behind the increasing level of noise pollution in the city. 

"We can see most of public places like bus stops, markets, railway stations, schools and hospitals are witnessing illegal parking, leading to the traffic jams and honking. Often there is no need of honking yet the motorists continue to do so. Also, most autos are without silencers and the parking lots are not being fully utilized," said Ajay Marathe, anti-noise pollution activist, Vashi. 

The noise pollution report shows the residential area have crossed the permissible day (55dB) and night (45dB) standards (see box). Only Agroli SCADA control area has recorded the noise level of 54.75 dB, while other residential areas have noise levels recorded between 55-60 dB. 

To curb the noise pollution, the traffic department should be more alert as far as illegal parkings is concerned in public areas and at silence zones, said Sumaira Abdulali from Awaaz foundation. The RTO should check the noise level of horns and not allow multi-toned and pressure horns for the vehicles while the more parking lots should be made available to avoid traffic. 

"The city traffic department will run more awareness campaigns after Ganeshotsav. Action will also be taken on the illegally parked vehicles on busy streets to avoid the snarls and noise pollution," said Arvind Salve, DCP (Traffic). 





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