Sound pollution is gaining momentum along with the modernization of the cities. Developed cities with developed infrastructure along with numerous industries are inviting the pollution of sound in their surrounding. The fact that sound pollution causes hazardous impacts on the physical, mental and social well being of humans can not be denied. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal has not been able to runaway from noise. The irritating noise of vehicles and machineries are well heard throughout the city. The motorbike riders in the Valley are infamous for unnecessary honking even at ?no horn zones?, such as hospital and school areas. According to the Metropolitan Traffic Police Department , Kathmandu Valley has 828,000 vehicles. Large four wheelers such as trucks, buses produce up to 120 decibels (a unit used to measure the intensity of a sound). Sounds above 85 decibels are harmful. It has been seen that long-term exposure to pressure horns causes stress, blood pressure, aggression, hypertension and could lead to permanent hearing impairment. So in concern to all this the Government has taken a very appreciable step to reduce the sound pollution of Kathmandu. It has declared Kathmandu valley as "No horn zone". It has  banned the horns of vehicles in the streets of Kathmandu and it has shown strict determination in implementing this rule. 

In order to mitigate notorious noise pollution in Kathmandu Valley, the Metropolitan Traffic Police Department (MTPD) in cooperation  with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) have banned  the use of pressure horns except during emergencies. The rule has come into force from the Nepali New Year (April 14) to cut down the noise pollution, especially during traffic jams. The rule will not be applicable to ambulances, fire engines, police vans. Drivers can use horn only during emergencies and at the turning points. Drivers caught blowing horn in the restricted zones will have to pay fines up to Rs1,500. Those found violating this rule may be fined up to Rs5,000. 

This is not the first time such a ban has been announced. The ?no horn? rule was announced  last year in some places of the u, but without much impact. So lets hope that this act of the Government will be well received and will prove to a huge success.