Pilibhit: In a decisive move against rising noise pollution, the Pilibhit police launched a special enforcement drive on Sunday targeting vehicles equipped with modified silencers, pressure horns, hooters, and sirens. The operation resulted in the issuance of 95 challans, penalties amounting to Rs 2.2 lakh, and the seizure of two vehicles.
Campaign Targets Modified Vehicles
The campaign primarily focused on luxury motorcycles fitted with aftermarket silencers, four-wheelers using pressure horns, and luxury vehicles equipped with illegal hooters and sirens. These modifications often produce sound levels far exceeding permissible limits, contributing to noise pollution across the district.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Sukirti Madhav stated, “The campaign would continue until intentional noise pollution is curbed completely.” He further warned that wedding processions using multiple sound amplifiers in violation of Central Pollution Control Board norms would also face strict legal action in the near future.
Penalties and Legal Action
During the drive, police penalized nine bikes with modified silencers, 52 vehicles using hooters, and 34 fitted with pressure horns. According to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the maximum permissible noise level for motorcycles in India is 80 decibels. However, modified silencers often produce sound beyond this prescribed limit, causing significant disturbance.
SP Madhav revealed that two traders involved in the sale and purchase of modified silencers, hooters, and sirens were served notices and warned of stringent action if they continued selling restricted devices. “Bike and automobile mechanics involved in fitting such modified equipment would also be brought under legal action,” the SP added.
Ongoing Enforcement
The police have emphasized that the crackdown will be sustained until noise pollution is effectively curbed. The public is urged to comply with noise norms and refrain from using illegal modifications. The authorities are also exploring measures to regulate wedding processions and other events that amplify noise pollution.
This initiative reflects the district's commitment to ensuring a quieter and more peaceful environment for residents, aligning with national regulations aimed at controlling vehicular noise pollution.
