The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued directions to the police, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Transport Department to take steps to control noise pollution in the city.
This followed an order by the Karnataka High Court to the KSPCB to exercise its powers under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The court order came after the Malleswaram Resident Welfare Association filed a writ petition on the issue.
Committee meetingThe High Court constituted an inter-departmental committee comprising officials from KSPCB, BBMP, police, Bangalore Development Authority, Transport Department and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation.
The panel, along with the amicus curie B.V. Vidylata, visited Malleswaram in April and May before chalking out the steps needed to address noise pollution.
ProposalDuring the two rounds of meetings, of the committee, the BBMP proposed to construct a multi-level car parking at Freedom Park and Russel Market, 100 skywalks with lifts/escalators, and grade separators. The civic body said it would also shortly approve a parking policy.
The police said they had booked 56,303 cases for defective silencers, shrill horns and emission of black smoke between 2012 and 2014.
The Transport Department said it would issue notices to Regional Transport Offices to seize horns that did not comply with the Motor Vehicle Act.
It would also ensure that unauthorised horns in private vehicles would be replaced and old vehicles complied with the requirements before issuance of fitness certificates.
TrainingMeanwhile, the BMTC is conducting training programmes for drivers to minimise the use of horns and follow lane discipline. It will ensure that its buses are fitted with horns that comply with the Motor Vehicles Act.
