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.