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Mumbai drivers hoot through 'no-honking day'

MUMBAI, INDIA Apr 08 2008 11:52

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Drivers hooted their way through Mumbai's first no-honking day on Monday, ignoring efforts to cut the ear-splitting cacophony of life in India's most bustling city.

Residents said they were unable to heed the police appeal to reduce the din because they could not make their way through the usual snarled traffic.

"I urged my driver to not honk, but on crowded roads it was impossible to move ahead while observing complete silence," chartered accountant Sushil Deshpande said.

Police had appealed to automobile associations, schools and colleges to get the city's 1,5-million vehicles to take part in the campaign and give the congested financial capital some rare peace.

The city of 18-million suffers from severe noise pollution, with not even designated "no-honking zones" -- such as for hospitals and educational institutions -- spared by impatient drivers.

CONTINUES BELOW

Despite what was acknowledged to be a poor start to the campaign, police have said they will keep trying.

"Honking is a big nuisance in the city. It's vital to address it as it creates health problems," said Harish Baijal, police Deputy Commissioner in charge of traffic.

Doctors say noise pollution stemming from cars, motorcycles, trucks and air traffic takes a toll on health, pushing up stress levels.

Last year, the World Health Organisation said long-term exposure to traffic noise could be linked to heart disease. -- AFP

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