In a bid to buy a little peace in their respective areas by getting rid of the high level of noise and air pollution, the residents of Khar-Bandra-Santa Cruz have called for a car-free Sunday on February 21.
In a bid to buy a little peace in their respective areas by getting rid of the high level of noise and air pollution, the residents of Khar-Bandra-Santa Cruz have called for a car-free Sunday on February 21.
“This car-free day concept has been successful the world over. We want to alert people about the positive side of not taking their cars out. One can always think of alternative forms of conveyance," said Rama Bishnoi, one of the organisers of the car-free day.
The campaign may just get the required impetus going by the sudden tests conducted by Awaaz foundation and the Mahrashtra pollution control board (MPCB).
"It is important to establish the presumption that car congestion leads to noise and air pollution by checking the level of pollution at spots across the city with scientific data. We test the levels of noise pollution at a single point of time," said Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz foundation.
The pollution control board uploads the data collected through sudden tests on the MPCB website. It shows the levels of SPM, RSPM and other indicators of pollution.
"We want the public to know that where there is a silent or no-honking zone, the rules need to be followed. We know that the public does not follow them, but this is one way to alert the authorities through our readings," said Yogesh Gore, field officer, MPCB.
The MPCB is taking efforts to send the data to various agencies that can create awareness. However, the company that provides the reading machines to the board is of the opinion that there is a need for a political will to make the required changes.
"Most of the mandals that use loud speakers demand relaxation of court rules, and they are all backed by political parties. The parties tell people to go out and make the most during festival times. We need a political will to change the attitude towards flouting decibel levels," said GB Kolhatkar of Pune- based Jost's Engineering.
According to the latest World Health Organisation report, noise is a serious health hazard and not a mere annoyance.
The residents of Khar-Bandra-Santa Cruz have got inspiration for the car-free day from Bogota, a Colombian city that has cycling paths.
The residents of these areas want to highlight the impact of vehicles and the positive effects of leaving one's car at home once a week.
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