Hydraulic horns a menace
It is alarming to notice the sound of hydraulic horns severely affecting passengers and pedestrians. This is particularly disturbing for educational institutions, hospitals and residential areas.
A study by BUET shows that the sound level in Dhaka was 45 decibel (dB) in 1985. But by 2013, this had risen to 110 dB. Presently, the average sound level in Dhaka is estimated to be 105 dB. Sound levels of 60 dB and 100 dB can lead to temporary deafness and complete deafness respectively, according to the WHO. While the noise in any busy thoroughfare in Dhaka is estimated to be 60-80 dB, the sound of hydraulic horns reaches 95 dB.
Even though the HC had banned the use of hydraulic horns in Dhaka in August 2017, this directive is not being followed. The traffic police should launch daily operations to catch cars using hydraulic horns. Also, if the city dwellers are made aware about the terms and conditions, it would be helpful to control the noise pollution in Dhaka.
Md Zillur Rahaman, Gandaria, Dhaka
Comments