Mumbai: Cuffe Parade residents seek zero-tolerance silence zone around GD Somani School

School busses on the road; (right) Heavy congestions during peak hours. Pics/By Special Arrangement

The residents of South Mumbai's Cuffe Parade area have sent a petition to the Mumbai Traffic Police Department and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) seeking management of the traffic and a "zero-tolerance silence zone" to be enforced around the GD Somani School. The petition has gained 347 signatures as of Monday evening.

‘There is constant traffic'

Laura D'Souza, a resident, said, "The road in front of the school is very narrow, and there is constant traffic throughout the day as school buses and several private vehicles come to drop the children. There is honking all the time, creating a very noisy environment in our locality."

D'Souza added, "Because of the traffic, there is no space left for emergency vehicles such as ambulances or the fire brigade to pass through. This road needs to be kept clear."

mid-day contacted the Mumbai traffic police division on how they are tackling the situation but did not receive a response by press time.

Traffic on the GD Somani road in Cuffe Parade

PetitionerSpeaks

Another resident, who started the petition, requesting anonymity, said, "I moved into the locality in January 2025 and have experienced daily chaos with the noise."

He said he documented it and took it to the commissioner of police during a public grievance session. "The traffic police acted promptly, giving relief for a few weeks, but it was temporary. The Colaba traffic cops also spoke with GD Somani School and curbed the issue."

He added, "This is not a personal issue against the school. It is a public nuisance involving road obstruction, honking, noise pollution, and safety risks for pedestrians. I have raised it independently, including on social media, seeking a sustained solution."

What is zero-tolerance silence zone?

A zero-tolerance silence zone refers to a designated area - such as the region within 100 meters of hospitals, educational institutions, and courts - where noise control laws and anti-honking regulations are strictly enforced with no exceptions or allowance for violation