Noise level at Lucky restaurant junction hits twice legal limit

If you happen to frequently pass the Bandra junction on SV Road, chances are that your health is being impacted due to the high decibel levels from the traffic noise. The permissible noise levels as per Central Pollution Control Board for residential area is 55dB during day and 45dB during night. The impact of the traffic noise at the junction can be understood from the noise levels measured for 30 minutes which ranged between 90dB to 107.5dB.

Convenor of Awaaz Foundation and anti-noise pollution activist Sumaira Abdulali recorded the noise at the junction of Hill Road and SV Road, near Lucky restaurant on Friday. "I was getting the readings of 100db and 103dB of the traffic noise mainly from the honking and suddenly I found that a motorcycle horn produced 107.8dB, which was extremely loud and such kind of pressure horns have been banned but are yet being used by vehicles," she said adding that being exposed to such high level of decibels was extremely unhealthy for pedestrians, motorists and those living or working around this junction.

Anti-noise pollution activists claimed that while traffic police should crack down on those using pressure horns, sustained campaigns should be carried out at such noisy junctions.