NGO asks Mumbaikars to take 'horn vrat' this year

Suggesting that the Maharashtra government declare 2018 as a 'No Honking Year', the Awaaz Foundation has initiated a year-long campaign asking Mumbaikars to abstain from honking by taking a 'horn vrat'.

To kick-start the campaign, Convenor of Awaaz Foundation Sumaira Abdulali along with Principal Secretary, transport department, Manoj Saunik and Additional Transport Commissioner Satish Sahasrabudhe, unveiled a mobile art installation of an autorickshaw at the Gateway of India on Saturday. The auto, fitted with multiple horns all over its body, has a message that states Mumbai honks 18 million times an hour, and on its top a message urging Mumbaikars not to honk without reason.

This autorickshaw will begin its awareness journey from Monday and will travel across important parts of south Mumbai for the next 10 days and then move towards the western and eastern suburbs. "We are targetting office areas, big residential complexes as well as schools and colleges. We want to connect with citizens and explain to them that when they honk, as a driver it only builds up more stress and anger and when they are being exposed to honking it impacts one's health severely," said Abdulali.

While the auto will move around the city over the next one-and-a-half-months, Abdulali said that more activities are being planned with other stakeholders to bring about a change in the mindset of people. "We have tied up with the Mumbai Rickshawmen Union. Rickshaw drivers have pledged not to honk and one driver a day has also volunteered to drive the campaign's auto," she said.

Saunik told DNA, "Imposing fines won't help to stop unnecessary honking but such camplaigns play an important role in bringing about a change in attitude which will surely help in the long run."

HORN NOT OKAY

• Apart from volunteers, Convenor of Awaaz Foundation Sumaira Abdulali will be travelling along with the auto to spread awareness as well.
   
• Some prominent citizens, activists and even wives of a few IAS officers have agreed to be a part of this campaign.