Mumbaikars should not be surprised if they find the usually chaotic city roads, bustling with vehicular traffic and honking, peaceful on Monday.

The city police's traffic department has decided to observe a 'No Honking Day' on the occasion of World Health Day on April 7 as noise pollution has an impact on the health.

The traffic department, which started the highly successful and widely emulated drive against drunken driving last year, has roped in a host of NGOs, automobile associations, as well as schools and colleges to sensitise over 1.5 million motorists about the campaign.

"The focus is on creating awareness among the people through the campaign. Lowering the decibel levels is not the priority, we have to educate people and still if they persist with honking, punitive action will be taken," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Harish Baijal told PTI in Mumbai.

Hoardings, banners, posters and stickers carrying information about the campaign have been put across the city, in advance, so that majority of the motorists abstain from honking on that day, he said, adding that they have also tied up with radio stations to promote the message.

The police have taken action against 1,920 motorists since January this year for using pressure/musical/reverse horns, honking in silence zones around hospitals and courts and for unnecessary honking.

Image: Actor Amitabh Bachchan [Images] shows a sticker with the slogan 'No honking today' on his vehicle.
Reportage: PTI | Photograph: PTI Photo