Students of Jawahar Vidya Mandir (JVM) - a cradle in Shyamali Colony, Ranchi, best known for its celebrity alumnus Mahendra Singh Dhoni - made headlines on Tuesday with their pledge to reduce noise pollution in the capital city.

The 500 youngsters of Class XII took a pledge to generate awareness among peer groups, parents and neighbours against the use of pressure horns and unnecessary honking while attending an hour-long session on noise pollution organised by voluntary outfit Students Oxygen Movement.

"After seeing a video presentation on the health hazards and annoyance caused by pressure horns, I feel it is my moral duty to spread awareness among people I know," said Rohan Kumar (16), a science student and resident of Hinoo.

Some students even plan to campaign at traffic intersections during their summer holidays.

"We have got stickers and pamphlets from the NGO. My friends and I will devote an hour at busy traffic intersections on Main Road and Ratu Road, requesting commuters not to honk because they cause trouble to the ailing and the elderly. We shall also urge traffic cops to act against those using pressure horns," said Uttam Sharma, another twelfth grader from the science discipline.

Honking is a common routine in Ranchi's Kantatoli, Ratu Road, Sujata Chowk, Birsa Chowk and Piska More. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, use of pressure horns can invite a fine of Rs 1,000, but traffic police seldom prosecute offenders.

"We have been campaigning on the theme No Horn in various schools for over two years. So far, we have covered over 100 schools in Ranchi. After summer vacation, we plan on a big event by roping in several schools. We have also installed flex signage near schools, colleges and hospitals to dissuade people from honking in silence zones," said Varsha Dubey, chief co-ordinator of Students Oxygen Movement.