City’s noisiest roads are in silent zones

MUMBAI: Three silence zones are among the noisiest roads in Mumbai.

MUMBAI: Three silence zones are among the noisiest roads in Mumbai.

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In the absence of noise limits or restriction on honking , busy traffic junctions have noise levels that are hazardous to health. The average noise level from vehicle horns in Mumbai is 110 decibels (dB) – that is as high as a live rock band. This is significantly above the estimation by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that says long-term exposure to noise levels from 85 decibels to 90 decibels is enough for hearing loss.

As the Mumbai traffic police kick-started its 10-day campaign to curb high noise levels from Thursday, HT takes a look at five of the noisiest traffic junctions in the city, according to a study conducted by anti-noise campaigner Awaaz Foundation earlier this year.

MOHAMMAD ALI ROAD, SOUTH MUMBAI

Noise levels: 105.8 decibel

Area: Silence Zone

Problem: Continuous honking in this area, which is amplified since it is under a flyover. The sound echoes due to the presence of buildings on all sides. The survey adjudged noise levels to be the loudest at this traffic junction in Mumbai.

DADAR STATION, JUNCTION NEAR DADAR MARKET (FLOWER MARKET)

Noise levels: 101.3 decibel

Area: Residential Zone

Problem: Non-stop honking on the narrow road that leads to Dadar Station.

TRAFFIC JUNCTION OPPOSITE SIR JJ HOSPITAL, NAGPADA-MUMBAI CENTRAL

Noise levels: 97.7 decibel

Area: Silence Zone

Problem: Improper traffic management between the by-lane and a road going up towards JJ flyover. Continuous honking even when there is no traffic jam.

SION CIRCLE

Noise levels: 97.4 decibel

Area: Residential Zone

Problem: With a number of potholes in the area, vehicles navigating their way through the circular route, cut lanes that lead to incessant honking. Noise levels are also amplified because of a flyover just above the circle.

FLORA FOUNTAIN (OPPOSITE BOMBAY HIGH COURT)

Noise levels: 97.1 decibel

Area: Silence Zone

Problem: Traffic lights at this junction turn green in a span of two minutes. Within this time frame, owing to narrow roads, traffic congestion leads to constant honking. Constant pedestrian traffic is another reason for high noise levels.