Police Complaints Authority seeks crackdown on vehicles causing noise pollution in Bengaluru

KSPCA calls for strict action against noise-polluting vehicles in Bengaluru, targeting illegal silencers and loud horns to protect public health.

The Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority (KSPCA) has urged the police to initiate strict and continuous action against vehicles fitted with illegal modified silencers and loud horns, citing rising cases of noise and environmental pollution.

In a communication addressed to the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP), member Mohan Kumar Danappa highlighted the increasing nuisance caused by two-wheelers and other vehicles using prohibited or defective silencers, particularly in Bengaluru and other urban areas.

The authority noted that such vehicles generate excessive noise and smoke, contributing to both sound and air pollution. Riders, often speeding on city roads, state highways, and national highways, deliberately use modified silencers to draw attention, causing disturbance to other motorists and pedestrians.

The issue has reportedly spread across residential areas, including streets near schools, colleges, hospitals, courts, and places of worship. The letter warned that continuous exposure to such high-decibel noise could lead to serious health concerns, including hearing impairment in infants, increased heart rate, mental stress, and complications for pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with heart conditions.

It also pointed out that incidents of assault and verbal abuse have been reported when residents question offenders, especially during late evening and night hours when such activities peak.

The authority further observed that despite being aware of such violations, police personnel in some jurisdictions have allegedly failed to take adequate action, drawing criticism from the public.