To keep a lid on noise pollution, the Delhi Traffic Police is prosecuting vehicles for playing loud music, using pressure horns and for honking at restricted places.
As of November 15, the traffic police issued 1,459 challans to vehicles for playing loud music; 7,209 for using a pressure horn and 21,996 for honking at restricted places.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Alok Kumar said a major crackdown on air and noise pollution caused by vehicles is on the cards. “We keep sensitising drivers against unnecessary honking. We have identified and issued a public notice regarding places designated as no-honking zones. Drivers playing loud music will also be fined since they cause nuisance to others,” he said.
To keep a check on unnecessary honking, the traffic police has already listed 60 stretches — including some spots on the busy Ring Road — that have been designated as no-honking zones. Some of the noisiest intersections in the city include ITO crossing, Karol Bagh and Ashram Chowk.
However, lack of devices to measure noise pollution and priority to other traffic violations have put a spanner in the works as far as enforcement of rules to curb noise pollution is concerned.
A traffic policeman on duty at ITO crossing said prosecutions for noise pollution can increase if the force is equipped with sound-measuring devices. In the meantime, he said, the force nabs vehicles for more serious traffic offences like driving on the wrong side, jumping the red light and speeding.
