To check vehicular noise pollution emanating from blaring pressure horns and cracker sounding silencers of motorcycles, the Punjab Government on Monday directed the authorities concerned to launch a special state-wide drive to ensure strict compliance of Motor Vehicle Act and provisions of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution Act), 1981 in this regard.
“In line with the objectives of Government’s flagship Mission Tandrust Punjab, it is imperative that noise pollution arising out of multi-tone pressure horns of vehicles and cracker sound emitting silencers of motorcycles is checked which is adversely affecting the mental and physical well being of citizens,” said Tandrust Punjab Mission director Kahan Singh Pannu.
Traffic Police and Pollution Control Board authorities have been asked to conduct special drive on every Tuesday on all main city and village roads to enforce the provisions of Motor vehicle Act and Clause 31 of Air Act 1981 which prohibits the use of pressure horns, Pannu said adding that anyone found violating rules should be challaned.
He said that the Clause 37 of the Air Act provides for imprisonment up to six years, in addition to heavy fines under Motor Vehicle Act.
Pointing out that multi-tone musical pressure horns on motor vehicles were increasingly becoming a major source of noise pollution and road nuisance in the state, Pannu urged the citizens to play a constructive role in eradicating this menace.
He stated that these pressure horns produces noise even above 100 decibels against the prescribed limit of 55 decibels, thus adversely affecting the health of citizens especially women, children.
Reiterating the government’s commitment for a healthy and noise free environment, he said that state has already imposed complete ban on the manufacture, sale, purchase, fitting and use of multi-tone, pressure and cracker sounding silencers of motorcycles.
The directions had already been issued to the manufacturers, dealers, traders, mechanics, shopkeepers and users including the government transport authorities regarding the matter.