PPCB to tighten noose around violators
Shivani Bhakoo
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, September 28
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) is all set to act tough against violators, who do not care two hoots for the orders of the board for not using pressure horns.
The PPCB chairman, Kahan Singh Pannu, said for the past two months enough awareness was generated and now from October 1 onwards the board would take strict action.
He said this campaign against using pressure horns by two and four-wheelers was on for the past two months. “And we have achieved results and success up to 95 per cent. But, still there are a few, who use pressure horns. We are going to launch prosecution (as per Pollution Act) against violators,” he added.
As per orders released by the PPCB, the manufacturing, stocking, using or blowing of pressure horns is completely banned in Punjab. Anyone found guilty will be sternly punished.
Till date, the PPCB along with the respective police (in districts) has been able to remove pressure horns from over 3,000 vehicles in the state. “Not just the noise pollution, horns cause anxiety and accidents too, which are dangerous. Those sellers, who keep stock of horns, will also be punished,” said the chairman.
From October onwards using pressure horns will invite punishment of six years and penalty up to Rs 5,000 per day.
Welcoming the strictness on part of authorities, Jawinder Singh, a senior citizen, said, “Youngsters blare cracker and bullet like sounds from their Bullet motorcycles, which is too scary for weak hearted persons like me. Violators should be strictly punished as pressure horns cause fatal accidents. On hearing a sudden loud sound balance of those driving two-wheelers is lost and they can get hurt seriously.”
