Mumbai Traffic Police constables undergo training session

NGO Awaaz Foundation conducted training session for Mumbai Traffic Police constables

For the first time since fines for unnecessary honking and loud horns in Maharashtra were increased from Rs, 1,000 to Rs 2,000 in December 2021, NGO Awaaz Foundation conducted a training session for Mumbai traffic police on March 31.

According to the press release issued to the media, the session was the second in a series of training sessions for traffic constables at the Byculla Police Training Institute. In the first session conducted in October 2021, about 80 traffic constables were trained. This time, 55 constables were trained. The sessions will continue until all the Mumbai police traffic constables (2,600) are covered.

The session included the health effects of noise pollution on traffic constables in the course of their duty on Mumbai roads and their own powers to enforce anti-honking rules.

The session was the second in a series of training sessions for traffic constables at the Byculla Police Training Institute

My own driver Sanjay, who has not honked for 15 years was loudly applauded during the session.

The members present also expressed interest in the booklet ‘Raise your Awaaz against Noise Pollution' recently released by Police commissioner Sanjay Pandey and Awaaz Foundation and asked for it to be circulated in their group.

It is only when the constables on the street are aware of the health impacts of noise pollution on themselves and others and know how to take action that the menace of honking can be overcome in Mumbai, one of the noisiest cities in the world.

Pradnya Jedge, DCP (Traffic-South) said, "This training session is an important first step to empower traffic constables to implement the new noise pollution fines of Rs 2,000 notified in December 2021 and to control the menace of noise from traffic."