Proposal to ban sirens in public places angers cabinet ministers

Though the state government appears greatly concerned about climate change and the rising noise pollution levels in the city, even going as far as to publicly criticise the proposal to build helipads atop residential buildings, the story is quite different when the politicians themselves are asked to mend their ways.

In a cabinet meeting on Thursday, some ministers objected to a proposal to restrict the use of sirens on government vehicles in public places.

Though a decision was taken to restrict their use, it remains to be seen if it will be endorsed by the cabinet in its next meeting.

The environment ministry moved the proposal to restrict the use of sirens, and honking, along with a ban on the use of plastic in government offices and functions.

The latter includes the use of plastic wraps in flower bouquets, plastic files and folders, and plastic bags of less than 50 microns.

The computers in government offices will also be required to be shut down immediately after use, according to the proposal.

Some cabinet ministers raised the question of their mobility in crowded places without sirens. But the department found a saviour in chief minister Ashok Chavan, who stood by the proposal.

Environment minister Suresh Shetty told DNA that the decision has been taken. “I am sure the minutes of the cabinet decision will be approved in the next meeting, confirming the decision,” he said.

The use of fire crackers in government functions has also been banned, barring key ones like Independence Day and Republic Day.