Ban use of hydraulic horns in vehicles permanently, task force urges

The government should enforce a permanent ban on hydraulic horns in vehicles through strict regulations and rigorous enforcement, the interim government's task force on economic reforms has recommended.

In its report, the task force identified noise pollution as a critical issue, particularly in metropolitan areas, and proposed several measures to mitigate its impact.

These include permanently banning hydraulic horns, promoting noise-absorbing technology in urban planning, implementing advanced traffic management solutions, and strengthening the enforcement of noise regulations.

The report, titled Task Force Report on Re-strategising the Economy and Mobilising Resources for Equitable and Sustainable Development, was handed over by Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (30 January).

Key recommendations

The task force has outlined five key strategies to reduce noise pollution in urban areas.

It calls for a permanent ban on hydraulic horns, urging the government to enact and strictly enforce regulations to eliminate their use.

City planning authorities such as Rajuk, city corporations, and pourashavas should incorporate noise-absorbing technology in urban design by establishing regulations for residential and commercial buildings near roads.

The report also recommends introducing modern traffic control measures, including synchronised traffic lights, speed regulations, and designated low-noise zones, to reduce traffic-related noise pollution.

Additionally, nationwide public awareness campaigns should be launched in partnership with schools, local communities, and media platforms to educate citizens on the harmful effects of noise pollution and encourage noise-reducing behaviours.

Finally, the task force stresses the need for stricter enforcement of existing noise pollution laws.

It calls for regular updates to these laws and an increase in the capacity of regulatory bodies to monitor, penalise, and prevent violations effectively.

Growing concerns over noise pollution

The report highlighted that noise pollution has become a severe problem near divisional headquarters, where sound levels far exceed safe thresholds.

Major sources of noise pollution include road, rail, and air traffic, industrial activities, construction work, and the widespread use of hydraulic horns.

The effects of excessive noise are both immediate and long-term, leading to hearing impairment, heightened stress levels, reduced productivity, and mental health concerns. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

The report cited previous studies, which noted that in Dhaka city alone, between 500 and 1,000 vehicles often use their horns simultaneously during traffic congestion.

Although the Department of Environment (DoE) has issued guidelines to mitigate noise pollution, the task force report notes that these measures are insufficient and require stricter enforcement to be effective.

The task force has urged authorities to take immediate action to address these challenges, ensuring a quieter and healthier urban environment for Bangladesh's citizens.