"Why so Horny?"

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June 15, 2014.

This month, Mumbai earned a dubious superlative. That of the "Noisiest city in the World".  If you've lived on the streets of Bombay long enough, it should not aurally surprise. Yet, the title really did. Nosiest city in the WORLD?

Here are some facts:

1. Drivers on the streets of Mumbai are horny. So, they honk. The average number of horns per minute at a "normal traffic junction" is a staggering 260 horns per minute. That is about 5 horns per second. (We counted, so we know.)
2. These drivers think that it is not a PROBLEM, if they hit the horn. "It's just the way it is." 
3. Most people did not know that Mumbai is the noisiest city in the world. Did you, before you read this?
4. Mumbaiites don't give a f*^k. they have no clue that noise pollution is a BAD THING. "frankly my dear, i don't give a damn."
5. "Decibels?" What is that? Most people don't know what the norms for noise pollution are. When you say 55 decibels - you might as well as be explaining quantum physics to a 6 year old.
6. Here's the kicker: The legally permissible decibel limits in residential areas is 55 decibels.  BUT, at anytime the decibel count of mumbai exceeds that by as much as 50%. What does that mean, you could ask?

a) Now, even if you are TOTALLY SILENT, the decibel count in most parts of Mumbai is 70 db. It means that THE CITY is breaking the law as a collective - because of AMBIENT NOISE. Kapish?
b) If you have to have a conversation - you have to speak above the already illegal 70 decibels around you. So, when you speak - you take the decibel levels above 80. Which means that even the most basic conversation is breaking permissible noise pollution norms. Kapish?
c) An average horn takes the decibel levels to approximately 100 decibels. That is TWICE the limit at night times. Kapish?

Why should you care, you would ask?

1. Noise pollution causes  a set of very serious diseases - including heart attacks, stress, blood pressure to name a few.
2. Noise pollution is one of the main reasons for "AGGRESSION" in males. There are some studies that link high levels of annoyance and rage to noise, linking it directly to crimes such as domestic violence and even abuse.
3. Our voices, hearing abilities (so that we can appreciate things like music) are severely hampered by Noise Pollution. We have to speak at a pitch which is about 40% higher than our natural voices to be heard. Wondered why most of the people have squeaky/ screaming tones and so few baritones exist? It has nothing to do with what we may have sounded like - but more to do with how we are compelled to sound like because of the polluted environment.

What can you do, you would ask?

1. STOP BLOODY HONKING. That alone will bring the city's decibel levels down below the legal limits. If everyone stopped honking, the WHOLE CITY will become quieter by 40% - just like an on off switch.
2. If you have a driver, ask him to stop honking.
3. If you use public transport, ask your cabbie/ auto to stop honking
4. If you see someone honk - tell them to STOP!
5. Discuss this with friends and family. This is NOT a small issue - but a very, very serious one.

Bring decibels below 45 in Mumbai. How tough can it be?

G.

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