PPCB goes strict on bikes with modified silencers

Pawan Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 21

There was a time when the Bullet motorcycle would amount to a style statement. So much so that it was regarded as a very macho thing to ride this bike. It may also be recalled the advertisements on Bullet motorcycle with their popular jingles “Yeh Bullet meri jaan manzilon ki nishan” and actor Dharmendra saying in his characteristic style, “Bullet ek shaandar sawari, ek jaandar sawari.” The sound of the bike was regarded as captivating and an eye-catcher.

But all this may change soon with the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) issuing instructions for initiating strict action against people riding bikes with modified silencers producing ear-piercing sound.

PPCB chairman Kahan Singh Pannu, in a statement, said the Bullet motorcycle producing high-decibel and ‘pataka’ (blast) sound would be dealt with strictly. Passing orders under Section 31-A of the Air (Prevention and Control Act of Pollution) Act, Pannu said those involved in creating blasts in silencers, using multi-sound and pressure horns, and those manufacturing, selling and installing modified silencers could face six-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000.

“The order will come into effect from October 1, 2017. The PPCB has invited objections through advertisements in newspapers. After listening to the public views, the orders have been passed. The sudden blast sound created by motorcyclists sometimes leave commuters in panic. It can result in road mishaps,” he said.

Pannu asked the PPCB officials to take action against the violators involved in manufacturing and installing such horns. Silencer blasts produced by altering the silencer of the Bullet motorcycle has become a nuisance in the city. There has been a considerable rise in the popularity of Bullet, mainly for its unique engine sound. Youngsters get the bike silencers modified to create a shrill sound.

As per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules and Motor Vehicle Act, silencer blast is an offence. According to the police, the youth create silencer blast by switching the engine off and on when the motorcycle is running at a high speed. This way, a firecracker like sound is generated.