Gazipur bans unnecessary horn use in government vehicles

In a move to curb noise pollution and create a quieter, more livable environment, the Gazipur District Administration has decided that government vehicles will no longer use horns unless absolutely necessary.

The administration also plans to gradually transform the entire district into a horn-free zone.

The decision was taken at a consultation meeting held on Wednesday at the Deputy Commissioner's office, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Nurul Karim Bhuiyan. Senior officials and representatives from various government departments attended the meeting.

Speaking at the event, the deputy commissioner said a comprehensive plan to reduce noise pollution has already been presented to the government and has received a positive response.

During the meeting, officials discussed the harmful effects of noise pollution, existing legal provisions, and both short- and long-term action plans to address the issue. Participants welcomed the initiative and pledged their support for its implementation.

Nurul Karim Bhuiyan said he had personally driven nearly 30 kilometres on roads in Gazipur and Dhaka without using the vehicle horn and found that it caused no difficulties.

He urged all government officials to avoid using horns in official vehicles unless required in emergencies. The participants agreed to the proposal and committed to refraining from unnecessary horn use.

The district administration also announced that detailed guidelines outlining when horns may be used will soon be circulated to all government offices.

Following the meeting, officials from government and semi-government agencies carried out an awareness campaign on city roads, encouraging bus, leguna, CNG auto-rickshaw and other transport drivers to support the goal of making Gazipur a horn-free city within the next 12 weeks.

Initially, the policy will apply to government vehicles before being gradually expanded to all types of vehicles operating in the district.

According to the district administration, excessive horn use has pushed urban noise pollution to alarming levels, adversely affecting students, patients, senior citizens and the general public. Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), officials noted that prolonged exposure to noise above 70 decibels can damage hearing and increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disorders and mental stress.

The administration hopes the initiative will set an example and contribute to improving public health.