Silent zones face practical problems

The M-ward officials have begun putting up signboards indicating the silence zones in several parts of Chembur at locations that include educational institutions, religious places and hospitals.

Ramesh Pawar, the assistant municipal commissioner of M-ward states, “We have put up 53 sign boards in M-west. However, there were no clear cut guidelines—as a result we faced a lot of practical problems while identifying the silent zones.

Several schools and hospitals are located on busy roads in Chembur yet we managed to complete the task within a day. We have also given a list of these identified spots to the Chembur police.

 This is a temporary measure. The corporation has a special department (Dy Chief Engineer - Environment) whose officials are in the process of working out the details of various silent zones across the city.”
On February 26, the Bombay High Court had passed a ruling earmarking the silent zones while hearing the petition filed by NGO Awaaz foundation.

However, citizens and activists are not impressed with the logic behind marking the various silent zones, especially as the silent zone entails no honking, etc within 100 m radius of the identified locations.

Sanjay K, member of AGNI points out, “In Swastik Park there is a hospital and a marriage hall situated on the same road. Putting up a silent zone board on this road has no meaning as marriage processions that pass by this road will invariably involve use of loud music and firecrackers.” 

Rajkumar Sharma who is also AGNI activist adds, “Our organisation has submitted a list of areas that need to be declared as silent zones but honking is a nuisance which cannot be curbed particularly outside schools.”

Resident G Venugopal says, “Instead of declaring silent zones, the BMC must declare certain zones as ‘no parking areas’ if they are serious about curbing the menace of honking.” To prove this point Sharma cites the spot outside OLPS school which presents a paradoxical situation.

“This spot is identified as a silent zone but it turns into a noisy area because of the numerous autos/private vehicles and school buses which come to drop and pick up students,” he states.