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Nitin Gadkari horns

Gadkari proposes replacing standard horns with sounds from instruments like the flute, tabla, violin, and harmonium. ( Photo: Pixabay)

Traffic to Taal: Nitin Gadkari proposes Indian instruments instead of horns

Imagine a symphony of flutes and tablas replacing the cacophony of blaring horns on India’s bustling streets. According to recent reports, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed his intention to introduce legislation to replace traditional vehicle horns with sounds from Indian musical instruments.

His goal is to reduce noise pollution and create a more pleasant auditory environment on Indian roads. Here are some key points:

Musical Horns:

Gadkari proposes replacing standard horns with sounds from instruments like the flute, tabla, violin, and harmonium.

The aim is to make traffic noise more agreeable.

Noise Pollution:

This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat noise pollution, a significant problem in Indian cities.

Environmental Concerns:

Gadkari also emphasised the transport sector’s contribution to air pollution, highlighting the government’s push for eco-friendly vehicles and biofuels.

Automobile Industry:

He also spoke about the growth of the Indian automobile industry.

In August 2023, during the inauguration of the Chandni Chowk flyover in Pune, Gadkari announced plans to eliminate sirens from VIP vehicles. He emphasized the importance of controlling sound pollution and expressed his intent to replace the harsh sounds of horns and sirens with the gentle tones of traditional Indian instruments such as the bansuri (flute), tabla, and shankh (conch shell) .

This initiative, driven by a desire to create a more harmonious environment, signals a potential shift in how India approaches the persistent problem of traffic noise, blending cultural heritage with practical environmental concerns.

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