When cycle-rickshaws were replaced by auto-rickshaws in the sixties, everyone heaved a sigh of relief. However, though the invention of the auto-rickshaw did save its driver from labouring like a four-footed animal, it also become a constant source of nuisance and unease for passengers and the general public. With the merciless roaring of this three-wheeled vehicle and the clouds of unpleasant smoke emissions, it has now become a serious threat to the environment.
In our region, the rickshaw is a popular ride with the common man because it is cheap and easily available in all major cities. However, there is no denying the fact that they increase noise and air pollution and are, therefore, detrimental to human health. The basic measuring unit for sound is decibels. If the intensity of noise remains within the limit of 80 decibels(dBs), it does not distrub human metabolism. Noises crossing this limit begin to create problems. While the standard limit of traffic noise is 85dBs, rickshaw blast out 100-110 dBs.
Structure-wise, the three-wheeled rickshaws are smaller and lighter than most other vehicles like buses, trucks and lorries. Yet they surpass them in loudness, exceeding even pressure horns. Recent studies by the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) have demonstrated the nerve-shattering nature of the rikshaws. They dominate the upper noise level range of the city, making up 63 percent of the total noise events recorded. Air pollution, the other harmful side-effect of rickshaws, is not only a constant source of tension for the public but is also hazardous to their health. It is high time that this matter is given serious consideration.
When asked, a majority of rickshaw drivers were not even aware of the fact that the deafening noise coming from their vehicle was something unusual. Only a few accepted that it was rather unpleasant. Some revealed that it gave them hearing problems and made it difficult for them to listen to the directions given by passengers. On the other hand, others felt that owning a noisy rickshaw was a matter of pride and helped attract more passengers.
According to the WWF-Pakistan survey, a misconception prevalent in the rickshaw drivers community was that by removing their silencers, they could increase both their speed and petrol utilization. When WWF-Pakistan contaced a few mechanics and rickshaw manufacturers, they completely deniend this. The ultimate conclusion of the survey was that rickshaw drivers, belonging to a lower-income bracket with 80 percent illiteracy, are mostly unware of the dire consequences of their sound machines. This was all the more highlighted by the example of one driver who had a silencer installed in his rickshaw, and was well aware of the effects of noise pollution. As far as air pollution is concerned, almost all the drivers gave the same answer, that it is caused by oil-adulteration. Today, the market is full of bottles containing adulterated and cheap engine oil and there is no method available to differentiate its quality. Once this oil is poured in, it not only damages the engine, but also causes air pollution.
This is the time that special attention is given to finding to feasible solution to this problem. To begin with, the traffic police should be instructed to fine drivers who have removed the silencers from their rickshaws. Special attention should be paid, not only to rickshaw pollution, but also to the adulteration of engine oil. Further, there should be special stickers for eco-friendly rickshaws, which might help increase awareness. On an experimental basis, 50-100 rickshaws could be manufactured and advertised as pollution-free, and their use could be encouraged.
Every problem has in it the seeds of its solution, it just as a matter figuring out the true problem, and from it, its right solution, and applying the solution correctly. For that, we should keep the secrets of nature in mind, in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson:
“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience."