Mumbai Social Entrepreneur Launches Quiet India: The Nation’s First Large-Scale Movement Against Noise Pollution
Savitha Rao, a social entrepreneur from Mumbai, has launched Quiet India, the country’s first large-scale national movement aimed at tackling noise as a significant public health and economic concern. This initiative seeks to reframe silence not as mere absence, but as a necessary foundation for health, dignity, and national development.
Citizen-led Movement for National Impact
India Positive Citizen, which promoted grassroots participation in nation-building, says Quiet India aspires to unite fragmented efforts across the country into a cohesive movement. Unlike previous initiatives targeting specific festivals, neighbourhoods, or isolated sources, Quiet India takes a holistic approach.The movement brings together citizens, health professionals, urban planners, law enforcement, and policymakers to address noise pollution as both a public health emergency and an economic liability.
Alarming Noise Levels in Urban India
According to Quiet India, noise levels in urban centres such as Mumbai have crossed alarming thresholds. Estimates indicate that Mumbai had 4.6 million vehicles on its roads by the end of 2023, generating millions of honks daily.
In many areas, noise regularly exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended limits of 55 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night.
Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Rao said, “Noise is the pollution we have normalised. Quiet India is about making silence our right, not our luxury. It is about reclaiming silence as a shared inheritance, and building a soundscape worthy of the India we aspire to be.”
Health Consequences of Noise Pollution
Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to high decibel levels is linked to elevated stress hormones, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cognitive impairments.
Dr. Mickey Mehta, a wellness expert and member of Quiet India’s advisory panel, explains, “Silence is nourishment. Without it, the body cannot heal, the mind cannot focus, and immunity is weakened. A calm soundscape is as critical as clean water or nutritious food. The sound of stillness brings bliss and wellness.”
Enforcement and Citizen Responsibility
Traffic authorities in Mumbai acknowledge the challenge but stress enforcement limitations.
Prashant Pardeshi, Mumbai South’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), stated, “We penalise offenders and run awareness drives, but no amount of enforcement can succeed unless citizens themselves reduce needless honking. Road discipline is as much about culture as compliance.”
Economic Implications of Noise Pollution
The campaign focuses not only on improving quality of life but also on enhancing India’s global competitiveness. The movement highlights that high noise levels reduce urban livability, deter foreign investment, and decrease workforce productivity—factors that could undermine Mumbai’s aspirations as a global financial hub.
Sandeep Bajoria, Quiet India’s advisory board chairman, said, “Noise pollution directly impacts India’s economic growth. A quieter Mumbai is better for its citizens, and it makes the city more attractive for investors, businesses, and global talent.”
Multi-Pronged Solutions for a Quieter India
Quiet India promotes a range of solutions from technology to citizen action. Key focus areas include:
- Changing behaviour by reducing habitual honking
- Limiting loudspeakers
- Respecting quiet zones
- Advocating for stricter regulations on construction noise and modified vehicle exhausts
- Controlling night-time disturbances
- Implementing noise barriers and strategic zoning
- Increasing green spaces to absorb noise pollution
Innovative tools like Google’s experimental ‘noise ratings’ for restaurants—introduced following Rao’s suggestion—aim to make quietness a valued metric in public spaces.
Noise and Accessibility
Social leader Raju Waghmare, who is visually impaired, explained how noise affects dignity and independence.
“The blind depend on auditory cues to navigate the city. Unnecessary honking and noise drown out those signals. Noise doesn’t just hurt, it takes away independence,” he said.
Research and Publications
Rao’s latest book, Noise in Our Nation, outlines the hidden costs of unchecked noise on health, education, the environment, and the economy. It also provides practical recommendations for stakeholders at every level.
Learn More
To find out more about Quiet India and how you can contribute, visit the official website: https://quietindia.in/