letter shot to Mini Bus Association
In an effort to reduce rising noise levels in the city, the deputy superintendent of police (traffic), RM Sinha on Tuesday issued a directive to Shikshit Berozgar Mini Bus Association (SBMBA) — an apex outfit of private bus operators in city to — remove pressure horns from their vehicles with immediate effect.
The traffic police have also decided to launch a drive against offending buses during surprise checking. The offenders will have to pay Rs 1,000 as fine. The drive will begin on city roads by the end of this week.
“The police department has been receiving complaints from residents about unnecessary blowing of pressure horns which creates lot of noise on city roads by heavy vehicles, especially private buses. Also, many vehicles, especially buses, generate tremendous amount of noise as they tamper with the silencers. Those guilty of not bothering to contain thick exhaust fumes will also be fined,” noted the traffic DSP.
A Supreme Court ruling, under section 119 (2) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, has banned the use of hooters and pressure horns within a 100m radius around schools, hospitals, and residential and commercial areas. Using pressure horns is also an offence under section 190 (2) of Motor Vehicles Act (1988).
Surprise inspection on roads will be carried out simultaneously at five traffic police stations at Jugsalai, Bistupur, Golmuri, Sakchi and Mango.
Around 125 private buses popularly known as mini-buses ply along 14 routes across the steel city and carry more than 100,000 passengers daily.
“We are concerned over the prevailing situation and have decided to strictly launch the drive. First time offenders will be fined Rs 1,000, while repeat offenders will have to pay Rs 2,000,” said Sinha. He said the administration is serious about checking pressure horn menace in the city.
“Over 50% of noise pollution on roads is owing to blowing horns,” said an official at the regional office of the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board. Pressure horns do not only irritate but it also increases the blood pressure while driving the vehicle. He added.
RN Choudhary, regional officer of Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) said that pressure horn is one of the major reasons for increase of decibel level in commercial and residential areas during non-festive seasons.
“In Jamshedpur the decibel level in commercial and residential areas is at least 15-25 decibels level higher than the prescribed norms stipulated by Central Pollution Control Board and pressure horns be it on two-wheelers and private buses are the major factors for noise pollution,” said Choudhary.
He went on to add that an endless stream of private vehicles, honking buses and heavy vehicles and mushrooming two-wheelers are leading to traffic snarls and adding to the load of air and noise pollution. like most cities, Jamshedpur, known for its clean and green climate, is fast becoming a concrete jungle of chaos and cacophony.