Hyderabad traffic police crushes 1,000 modified silencers to curb noise pollution
HYDERABAD Traffic police crushes silencers: In an effort to combat environmental degradation and enhance road safety, the Traffic police of North District, Hyderabad, has undertaken measures against the illegal modification of motorcycle silencers.
The police conducted special drives, registered a total of 1,910 cases, and confiscated approximately 1,000 modified silencers from offenders, which were then destroyed.
The unauthorised modification of silencers not only contravenes traffic regulations but also significantly contributes to environmental deterioration. Such alterations amplify noise levels and escalate air pollution, posing severe health risks to individuals and the community at large.
Many young bikers adorn their motorcycles with pressure horns and modified silencers, considering them symbols of style and status. However, the sudden blare of high-decibel pressure horns on bustling streets induces panic and distraction among pedestrians and fellow motorists, potentially endangering lives. By considering all this traffic police crushes silencers.
Effects of noise pollution due to silencers
- Noise pollution has been linked to various health issues, including high blood pressure, with prolonged exposure potentially leading to hospitalisation and, in rare cases, fatalities. Studies indicate a correlation between traffic noise and cardiovascular ailments across all age groups, emphasising the heightened risk posed by prolonged exposure to loud urban environments.
- Apart from causing hearing impairments such as tinnitus and deafness, persistent loud noise can detrimentally affect physical and mental health, particularly in vulnerable demographics like children and the elderly.
Here are some of the main impacts of noise pollution
Physical: Respiratory disturbances, elevated heart rate, hypertension, headaches, and in severe cases, gastrointestinal disorders and cardiac events.
Psychological: Stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and agitation in both humans and animals.
Sleep and Behavioral Disorders: Noise exceeding 45 dB impedes sleep quality and can induce behavioral changes, including aggression and irritability.
Memory and Concentration: Noise hampers concentration and memory retention, leading to diminished cognitive performance over time.
It’s noteworthy that our ears require more than 16 hours of rest to recover from just two hours of exposure to 100 dB noise levels.
Advantages of using authorised legal silencers
Noise Reduction: Authorised silencers effectively suppress engine noise, thereby mitigating noise pollution in residential and public areas.
Emission Control: Equipped with catalytic converters and other mechanisms, authorised silencers aid in reducing harmful emissions, contributing to the fight against air pollution.
Regulatory Compliance: Using authorized silencers ensures adherence to legal standards, promoting responsible and lawful vehicle operation.
Disadvantages of using modified silencers
Increased Noise Levels: Modified silencers exacerbate engine noise, causing disturbances to residents and pedestrians while violating noise pollution regulations.
Emission Escalation: Bypassing essential emission control mechanisms, modified silencers release higher levels of pollutants into the atmosphere.
Legal Ramifications: Installation of modified silencers constitutes a traffic violation, subjecting offenders to legal consequences, including fines up to Rs. 10,000 and imprisonment for up to six months, as per the amended Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicle Act.
The traffic police urged all motorcycle owners to comply with regulations and opt for authorised/legal silencers, contributing to reduced air pollution, healthier communities, and a safer, sustainable environment.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
