95 challans issued in Pilibhit drive against noise pollution

Pilibhit: Police on Sunday launched a special drive against vehicles using modified silencers, pressure horns, hooters and sirens, taking serious note of rising noise pollution across the Pilibhit district. During the drive, police issued 95 challans, imposed penalties worth Rs 2.2 lakh, and seized two vehicles.The campaign mainly targeted luxury motorcycles fitted with modified silencers, four-wheelers using pressure horns, and luxury vehicles equipped with illegal hooters and sirens.SP Sukirti Madhav said, “The campaign would continue until intentional noise pollution is curbed completely.” He added that wedding processions using multiple sound amplifiers in violation of Central Pollution Control Board norms would also face strict legal action soon.Police said nine bikes with modified silencers, 52 vehicles using hooters, and 34 fitted with pressure horns were penalised during the operation. As per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the maximum permissible noise level for bikes in India is 80 decibels, while modified silencers often produce sound far beyond the prescribed limit.SP Madhav said 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,” said the SP.