'No Honking Day' to be observed on Dec 1

Bangalore, Nov 15 (UNI) In an effort to make the IT hub noise-free, the Mission Peace-Stop the Noise, started by a group of people from different professions, today gave a call for observing 'No Honking Day' in the city on December 1.

Justice Michael F Saldanha, retired Karnataka High Court judge told reporters here today that noise generated by vehicles had gone to such an extreme level that living in the city had become dangerous.

As per norm, 80 decibels was the limit which the people could withstand, but the level of noise created by autorickshaws, cars and buses were more than 100 decibels. This would lead to more stress and increase blood pressure of the denizens, he added.

Hosmat Hospital Director Thomas Chandy said, according to a study conducted by the Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore, even 80 decibels would lead to deafness and during the night the noise should not be more than 30 to 35 decibels.

''The public cannot afford to risk being driven by drivers with hearing problems as it could lead to accidents,'' he said adding that all the Autorickshaws be fitted with four stroke engines instead of two stroke which leads to more sound pollution.

Ms Sunita D'Souza, who is spearheading the movement, said ''it has been well documented in one report by WHO that loud, persistent and unpleasant noise has several bad effects on human health. It causes ringing in the ears (Tinnitus) leading to temporary and later to permanent deafness. Noise beyond a certain level causes increase in blood pressure (hypertension), digestive disorders, heart ailments and psychological and psychiatric disorders leading to uncontrolled violence.

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