For a pollution-free Vijayawada

Avoid sound pollution and save lives, said Indian Medical Association (IMA) chairman Dr Raja Rao at a noise pollution awareness rally which was held on Wednesday. The rally was organised by IMA Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctors' association of Vijayawada on the occasion of 'No Horn Day'. The rally started from IG Stadium to Benz Circle. Doctors, medicos, paramedical staff and members of few voluntary organisations participated in the awareness rally.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Raja Rao said that due to the increase in sound pollution in the city people have been facing various health related problems. He said, "We should try to minimise sound pollution to ensure good health. People should come forward to avoid sound pollution. Even the government should take special interest to avoid sound pollution. The last Wednesday of April every year is observedas 'No Horn Day'."

IMA state president Dr P Gangadhar Rao said that due to sound pollution people are facing various mental health problems. He further said, "If we don’t control sound pollution the number of people with hearing disabilities will increase." ENT surgeon Singari Prabhakar said that air pollution has drastically increased in Vijayawada, and if sound pollution also adds to it then the people would face very severe health problems in the days to come. He said that the rally was organised to bring awareness among the people on sound pollution. IMA general secretary Dr KS Karuna Murthy, treasurer Dr P Anil Kumar, Dr Keshava Rao Dr Samaram and others participated.