Need to replicate M’rashtra initiative on honking: Expert

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 1

The National Committee for Noise Pollution Control (NCNPC), Ministry of Environment and Forests, has recommended the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to frame rules about honking on the pattern of the Maharashtra Government.

While talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the 10th Chandigarh Science Congress (CHASCON) at Panjab University today, the Chairman of the NCNPC and Honorary Professor at the department of mechanical engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Prof ML Munjal, said the Maharashtra Government had taken a good initiative, which needed to be implemented at the national-level.

Horn should not be blown for overtaking vehicles instead blinkers should be used for this, he added.

He said a number of recommendations of the committee had already been accepted and implemented by the government. The recommendations included controlling the noise pollution caused by diesel generator sets. He said presently a majority of the users of diesel generator sets were following the norms.

“Similarly, the norms are being strictly followed by the automotive industry in India. However, the older vehicles are a cause for concern,” he further added.

The committee has also made recommendations about safeguarding industrial workers against noise pollution. As per norms, any industrial worker should not be exposed to noise more than 90 decibel during his or her shift.

Prof Munjal said the committee also recommended the installation of acoustic barriers around constructions sites.

Meanwhile, a number of sessions were held on the second day of the congress. As many as 1,200 posters were presented by research scholars, students and scientists belonging to the region. Two best posters and oral presentations were selected for the award. Two best sectional quiz teams were selected for participation in a quiz to be held on the concluding day of the congress.