Along with environmental pollution all around, noise pollution is increasing alarmingly in Silchar town. A decade back, Pollution Control Board (PCB) used to regularly monitor the pollution level at different traffic islands and congested areas, particularly around hospitals and nursing homes. The survey reports were submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar for preventive measures. After that, PCB’s role has become more or less insignificant. Its activities have remained confined within its fore-wall. The indifferent attitude of the PCB and its almost isolation from the public, pollution level today has reached a stage which has become not only a public nuisance and cause of health hazards. Citizens too are bearing the pollution helplessly with no authority to check or control. In view of the growing public resentment and the unbearable situation, NGO Brihattara Silchar Nagarik Manch (BSNM) has become vocal on the problem. Sadhan Purkayastha, general secretary of the Manch, said that apart from all other factors, blowing of honking horns with loud sound by all sorts of vehicles has been adding to the level of ever increasing pollution. This is a common sight in the whole town where the number of vehicles and population have been on the rise. The problem has become more acute due to traffic jam and congestion. The vehicles plying on different roads seldom maintain the permissible decibel limit while blowing their horns. It is not unusual to come across vehicles stranded due to traffic jam ahead and with no traffic police around honking horns to make way. This creates serious problems for patients on way to nursing home or hospitals. Even, 108 and 102 on emergency services are not spared. They are forced to use the hooters. Besides, aged persons, school going children and citizens in general passing through the roads have to face the ordeal with harmful effects. The sound limit fixed before schools and colleges is flouted. NGO BSNM submitted a memorandum in this respect to the District Transport Officer (DTO) here, apprising him of the prevailing situation and the ever growing level of noise pollution. His immediate intervention for taking preventive measures was sought. Sadhan Purkayastha said it is not for the first time that such representation was made to him. Earlier, a number of complaints and requests have been submitted. Responding to the memorandum submitted today, the DTO agreed with the grievances and directed the District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO), for giving wide publicity in the local media about the menace of blowing horns without maintaining decibel level. The NGO has now impressed upon the DTO to take initiative from his side by instructing all the owners and drivers of vehicles including two wheelers to use horns within permissible limit. The NGO on its part has also appealed to the local media, both print and electronic, to extend their cooperation to highlight the menace and impress upon the authorities concerned to take preventive measures.