Canadian’s viral video highlights stark noise pollution gap between Bengaluru and Aizawl

A Canadian content creator living in India has gone viral for a video comparing the noise pollution levels of Bengaluru and Aizawl during peak traffic hours, sparking widespread discussion on urban noise and public behavior.

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Caleb Friesen, currently residing in Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, recorded traffic sounds at 7 pm in both cities. The stark contrast he presented has caught the internet’s attention. “Indians deserve better from each other. Just listen to this. Okay, now listen to this,” Friesen says in the video, before playing the soundscape of Bengaluru’s chaotic traffic filled with constant honking and roaring engines.

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A post shared by Caleb Friesen (@caleb_friesen)

He then switches to an audio clip from Aizawl at the same hour, revealing an almost peaceful rhythm of calm traffic without honking. “This is actually where I live by the way. Notice how there's no honking and that's actually because they've implemented a no honking policy here in Aizawl. And the police actually do issue fines for people who disturb the peace with noise pollution and honking,” Friesen explains.

Though Aizawl has fewer vehicles and poorer roads due to its hilly terrain, Friesen credits a unique cultural norm for the discipline. “The no honking rule is a cultural behaviour adopted to reduce noise pollution,” he says, urging Indian cities to adopt similar restraint.

The video has since sparked debates on urban noise discipline and civic responsibility across social platforms.