Shillong: The Meghalaya Transport Department has planned to procure decibel meters to address growing concerns about excessive honking by vehicles.
This initiative comes in response to public complaints and persistent violations of noise regulations, particularly along stretches of the National Highway within city limits, including 6th Mile Upper Shillong, Mawlai Mawiong, and Mawblei.
Despite previous assurances from the government, the problem of excessive honking has continued to plague the state.
Acknowledging the issue, Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said that the department would acquire 12-decibel meters, one for each district, to monitor and enforce noise regulations more effectively.
The procurement of these decibel meters is part of a broader plan to combat noise pollution. The department has issued directives for regular enforcement drives, where officials will check vehicles for illegal honking devices and ensure compliance with noise standards.
Vehicles found violating the noise limits will face strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act, including removal of offending devices on the spot.
To raise public awareness about noise pollution, the department has launched a public awareness campaign.
This initiative, coupled with the upcoming enforcement of decibel meters, is expected to significantly reduce noise pollution across the state.
Additionally, the department plans to collaborate with the police in conducting joint operations along state and national highways, focusing on areas with high rates of noise violations.
While there is an absence of no-honking zones around hospital areas, ironically, the Bivar Road area, where several VIPs reside, has numerous no-honking boards.
This discrepancy highlights the need for a more consistent and equitable approach to enforcing noise regulations across the state.