Koraput: In a bid to curb noise pollution and rash driving, the Jeypore town police in the district have launched a special drive against motorists violating noise control norms, particularly motorcyclists using modified silencers and loud horns. The initiative aims to restore peace on the streets and ensure compliance with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules.As part of the drive, police detained at least 85 motorcycles within three days till Friday for using modified silencers that produced excessive noise and caused public disturbance. The owners were fined over Rs 1 lakh.SDPO (Jeypore) Archita Mittal said the modified silencers were removed and destroyed, while fines were imposed under the MV Rules before the motorcycles were returned to their owners with warnings against repeating the offence.In the coming days, the raids against modified silencers will be intensified, she added.Inspector in-charge of Jeypore town police station, Ullas Chandra Rout, said motorists are also being made aware of the harmful effects of excessive noise and the penalties for such violations.Police said many vehicles, including trucks and buses, continue to flout the Odisha Urban Police Act, which mandates that horn noise should not exceed 65 decibels, by using multi-toned and excessively loud horns.Police are also considering action against garages and workshops allegedly involved in illegally installing pressure horns and modifying silencers.Residents have welcomed the crackdown but stressed the need for regular enforcement. Action against honking should not be limited to a few days. It needs to be a continuous effort, said local trader Naveen Jain.
