Patna: Patna has launched a weekly ‘No Horn Day’ in an effort to tackle rising noise pollution. The Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) will observe the initiative every Sunday until October 2, urging motorists to refrain from unnecessary honking.
The BSPCB has appealed to residents to avoid sounding horns unless essential, particularly in designated quiet zones such as courts, hospitals, educational institutions, and within 100 metres of sensitive sites, including the secretariat, legislative assembly, Raj Bhavan and the city’s biological park. Officials have warned that excessive noise can cause health problems and called on the public to contribute to a cleaner acoustic environment.
The awareness campaign divides Patna into four zones, with BSPCB teams conducting outreach to discourage unnecessary honking. Many residents have welcomed the move, saying it offers much-needed respite from constant traffic noise.
The board has also reiterated existing restrictions on loudspeakers, DJs and public address systems, which cannot be used between 10pm and 6am without permission from the competent authority. Violations can attract penalties under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act 1986, with equipment liable to confiscation under the Noise Pollution Rules 2000.
