Noise rules in this silence zone near Mumbai’s Lilavati hospital

Mumbai city news: The area is officially a silence zone, which means noise levels during the day should not cross 50dB and 40dB at night

Even when the streets are empty, motorists crossing the Lilavati Hospital in Bandra don’t pay attention to the ‘no honking’ signs.

The no-honking signs

During the peak hours, the noise from vehicle horns soars.

The area is officially a silence zone, which means noise levels during the day should not cross 50dB and 40dB at night, according to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

But anti-noise campaigner Sumaira Abdulali, the convenor of the NGO Awaaz Foundation, reported readings of 100.9 dB on Thursday evening, at 6.30pm.

“There was no silence, even right below the no honking sign,” Abdulali said.The area also has four educational institutes.

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It’s a busy, narrow street that gives motorists access to the suburbs and is busiest during the morning and evening peak hours — around 9am and between 4pm and 7pm. Dr Prahlad Prabhudesai, consultant chest physician, said they are not affected by the honking much as they are in an enclosed space, but added, “Honking affects respiratory, cardiac and autonomic nervous system.”

While there are rules to penalise needless honking (section 20 of the Maharashtra Transport and Road Safety Act, 2017, says motorist can be fined Rs2,000 for honking in silence zones), residents felt they were not enforced effectively. Vidya Vaidya, a resident of the area, said the noise levels are high until 2am on some days. “Honking is as big a problem as other traffic offences, but it is not taken seriously,” she said.

“We levy fines on those violating no-honking rules and for unauthorised parking and PUC cases, to ensure there is no pollution around the hospital,” said Krishnap Ubale, police sub-inspector, Bandra division.