You see them in a tearing hurry everywhere. And class does not matter here. This frenetic frenzy is common to people regardless of whether they are riding on two, three or four wheels. Decibel levels even at the Sabarmati Ashram, where the apostle of peace should be allowed some peace, are at a high.

There is a marked increase in pollution levels on city streets with the onset of winter, as the emissions settle closer to earth. Regular checks are taken to monitor air pollution levels and the introduction of CNG has made a world of difference.

But what about noise pollution? The irksome, unnecessary and incessant honking goes on in peak hours and even on a sedate street where there is absolutely no reason to announce you have arrived on the scene.

NRI Manubhai Patel, who lives mostly in Toronto, says, "Back there I have been driving a car for the last 10 years and I myself haven't heard the sound of the horn yet. I don't have to. But in Ahmedabad, I get into an auto-rickshaw only if the driver promises he won't use the horn. It is deafening."

Agencies do monitor decibel levels during festivals, tuning in to the blaring loudspeakers. But there is official silence on the cacophony caused by automobiles. Nobody has ever been fined for excessive honking. The police have decided on a Rs 50 fine for honking in a silence zone. But nobody has been fined yet.

CEO of HCG-Medisurge Hospital Dr Bharat Gadhvi said constant honking had prompted the hospital to file an application to traffic police to declare the stretch as a silence zone'. "Many patients and relatives have complained seriously ill patients can't get sleep because of the honking," Dr Gadhvi said.

Hear this one, please, if you haven't gone deaf on the streets.