In a dramatic and unconventional crackdown, the Amritsar police sent a powerful message to vehicle owners flouting noise pollution norms. The city's traffic police department publicly destroyed over 200 confiscated modified motorcycle silencers using a heavy road roller. The event, held on Wednesday, was a visual spectacle designed to deter riders from installing noisy exhaust systems.
A Public Display of Zero Tolerance
The crushing operation was conducted under the watchful eyes of senior police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Parminder Singh Bhandal. The action followed a sustained campaign against vehicles, particularly motorcycles, fitted with modified silencers that create excessive and illegal noise. These silencers, often removed from two-wheelers during routine checks and special drives, had been piling up in police storage.
Instead of opting for standard disposal methods, the police decided on a public demonstration of destruction. A JCB machine and a road roller were deployed to flatten and crush the collected silencers into scrap metal. This method ensured the components could never be reused or resold, closing the loop on illegal trade.
The Legal Backing and Public Nuisance
Police officials emphasized that the use of modified silencers is a clear violation of the Motor Vehicles Act. The primary issues cited were the tremendous noise pollution causing public distress and the potential for these loud vehicles to disturb the peace, especially near hospitals, educational institutions, and residential areas during night hours.
DCP Bhandal stated that the special drive against such modifications would continue with increased intensity. He warned the public, particularly the youth, against altering their vehicle's factory-fitted exhaust systems. The police have been empowered to impose hefty fines on the spot for such violations, and repeated offenders face even stricter penalties, including potential vehicle impoundment.
Citizen Response and Future Vigilance
The police action has drawn a mixed but largely supportive response from Amritsar's citizens. Many residents have long complained about the nuisance caused by bikes with roaring silencers, often used for stunt riding or to attract attention. The public destruction is seen as a strong step towards restoring quieter and more peaceful public spaces.
Authorities have also encouraged citizens to play an active role. The public can report vehicles with illegally modified silencers by contacting the traffic police helpline or providing information at local police stations. This collaborative approach aims to create sustained pressure against the practice.
The Amritsar police's use of a road roller is a symbolic and physical assertion of their commitment to curb noise pollution. It serves as a stark reminder that flouting vehicle modification laws will lead to not just fines, but also the very public destruction of the illegal components.
