India Grapples with Relentless Vehicle Horn Noise as Public Health Concern
NEW DELHI – india’s roads are renowned for a cacophony of sound, and a growing chorus of concern is rising over the incessant use of vehicle horns, now recognized as a significant public health issue. Despite existing regulations, drivers routinely employ horns – frequently enough excessively loud – contributing to noise pollution levels that experts say are detrimental to citizens’ well-being.
The pervasive honking isn’t merely a nuisance; it’s a widespread problem impacting millions across the country. Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels can lead to hearing loss, cardiovascular problems, and increased stress, according to environmental advocates. While authorities have attempted solutions, including a whimsical proposal to replace standard horns with musical tones, the core issue remains a lack of enforcement and a deeply ingrained driving culture.
The Hyundai Creta, a popular subcompact SUV, has even gained notoriety for its notably loud horn, becoming a symbol of the problem. A photograph taken in Punjab in 2023 illustrates the vehicle’s prevalence on Indian roads.
Environmentalist Sumaira Abdulali has been a leading voice in advocating for stricter noise pollution control. She emphasizes the need to treat noise as a serious public health hazard, demanding consistent enforcement of existing laws and a shift towards greater civic responsibility among drivers. ”The only way ahead is to understand noise as a public health issue and combat it by enforcing laws and promoting civic sense,” Abdulali stated.
Several years ago, Nitin Gadkari, India’s Minister of Road Transport and Highways, publicly suggested replacing vehicle horns with sounds from Indian classical instruments – flute, harmonium, or violin – to create a more “gentle” auditory experience. However, Abdulali dismissed the idea as counterproductive. “I can only imagine what’s going to happen when you have various types of music blaring because somebody is bored or unhappy,” she warned.
Currently, India lacks a complete, nationwide strategy to address vehicle noise. Abdulali and other advocates continue to push for increased public awareness, stricter penalties for violations, and a essential change in driver behavior to mitigate the harmful effects of constant honking. until effective measures are implemented, the din will likely continue, and Abdulali vows to continue raising her voice – hoping it will be heard above the noise.
