Thiruvanmiyur's South Avenue Residents Grapple with Unrelenting Honking Crisis
In Chennai's upscale Thiruvanmiyur neighborhood, the once tranquil South Avenue has transformed into a cacophony of persistent honking, causing significant distress to local residents. This 600-meter residential stretch, nestled near the intersection of the Thiruvanmiyur bus depot and LB Road, now faces a daily onslaught of noise from city buses and private vehicles, with elderly residents particularly struggling to cope.
Noise Levels Routinely Breach Permissible Limits
As a designated residential zone, South Avenue is subject to a permissible noise level of 55 dB(A) during daytime hours. However, residents report that decibel levels consistently exceed these limits, creating an ongoing ordeal. H Kumaresan, a retired government official who frequents the area for morning walks, expressed deep concern over the situation. "This has become a daily ordeal," he stated, highlighting the pervasive nature of the noise pollution.
Infrastructure and Traffic Challenges Exacerbate the Problem
The avenue houses a diverse mix of establishments, including:
- A school catering to young students
- Multiple apartment complexes
- An MLA office serving the community
- Several popular eateries and restaurants
Heavy vehicles, particularly MTC buses traveling from East Coast Road, frequently detour through Kamaraj Nagar 22nd Street to access South Avenue en route to the bus depot. This diversion contributes significantly to the traffic congestion and subsequent honking.
Ineffective Signage and Enforcement Gaps
During a recent visit to the location, government buses and private cars were observed honking indiscriminately despite the presence of multiple no-honking signboards. Approximately five such signs were placed at 100-meter intervals along both sides of the stretch. K R Neelakandan, a 72-year-old resident of a South Avenue apartment, criticized the ineffective implementation. "The signs are there for namesake. The road, despite being a residential zone, is no worse than a main road," he remarked, noting that the area experiences traffic jams during both morning and evening peak hours.
Administrative Challenges in Curbing Violations
Thiruvanmiyur RTO Karthikeyan acknowledged receiving numerous complaints about the honking issue, claiming that efforts have curbed the problem to a large extent. However, he cited practical difficulties in enforcement, explaining that the constant movement of thousands of vehicles makes it challenging for police to register cases effectively.
An official from the traffic enforcement wing elaborated on the complexities involved:
- Private vehicle violations typically incur fines up to ₹500
- Government bus drivers, being public servants, pose a risk of protest if penalized
- The RTO could potentially mandate low-decibel horns as a preventive measure
The absence of traffic police personnel on the road further compounds the enforcement challenges, leaving residents feeling helpless against the relentless noise pollution that has disrupted their previously peaceful residential environment.
