Mumbai honks 18 million times an hour: Anti-honking campaign kicks off at Gateway of India

Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Awaaz Foundation, along with the state’s transport department, Mumbai police and hundreds of Mumbaiites launched the ‘HornVrat’ campaign.

In an effort to curb incessant honking, anti-noise campaigners on Saturday gathered at the Gateway of India to launch an anti-honking drive. Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Awaaz Foundation, along with the state’s transport department, Mumbai police and hundreds of Mumbaiites launched the ‘HornVrat’ campaign and pledged for a quieter city.

Sumaira Abdulali, founder of Awaaz foundation, and Manoj Saunik, principal secretary of the state transport department, at the Gateway of India on Saturday. (HT photo)

Awaaz Foundation claims that the city honks a whopping 18 million times an hour. “According to data from the transport department, there are currently 3 million vehicles in the city. Based on the traffic snarls and consultations with the transport department, we found that a Mumbai driver honks at least six times an hour,” Sumaira Abdulali, convener of the Foundation said.

As a part of the campaign, the NGO has roped in thousands of auto-rickshaw drivers who are most exposed to high noise level as the vehicle is open from three sides.

To reduce the menace of honking, a moving installation of a rickshaw fitted with horns was unveiled at the event. From Monday, rickshaw drivers from across the city volunteered to use the installation to spread awareness.

Thambi Kurien from the Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union said: “Most of our members are suffering from hearing problems. We will spread this initiative to cinema halls and CNG stations too.” Manoj Saunik, principal secretary, state transport department, who runs the “No Honking” campaign, said, “We need similar initiatives in the city to control this menace.”