Mysuru Traffic Police Launch Major Crackdown on Noise Pollution
In a decisive move to curb noise pollution and ensure public peace, the Mysuru City traffic police have seized a total of 378 altered and defective silencers from motorcycles across the city. This action came as part of a special enforcement drive that has been actively conducted since December 2025, targeting key traffic corridors and residential areas where complaints about excessive noise were rampant.
Special Drive Targets Modified Exhaust Systems
The enforcement initiative was launched in response to numerous complaints from residents, particularly senior citizens, who were severely troubled by the high-decibel noise generated by illegally modified bike silencers. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M Shivashankar highlighted that the police received specific grievances about bikers altering their silencers to create a nuisance on the roads, leading to disturbances near hospitals, schools, and crowded marketplaces, as well as issues related to late-night racing.
To address these concerns, teams from the traffic division and local police units established strategic checkpoints throughout Mysuru. They stopped suspected vehicles and conducted thorough inspections of exhaust systems to identify illegal modifications. During these checks, police discovered a variety of unauthorized alterations, including cut pipes, aftermarket "free-flow" units, and tampered baffles. These modifications were specifically designed to amplify sound, providing riders with an adrenaline "kick" during their journeys, but at the cost of public comfort and legal compliance.
Legal Actions and Consequences for Offenders
The drive focused on vehicles that were generating abnormally loud noise and violating motor vehicle rules pertaining to both emission and noise standards. Riders found using these altered silencers were immediately fined under the Indian Motor Vehicles (IMV) Act. In several instances, vehicles were detained until compliant silencers were fitted, ensuring that the offenders could not continue to contribute to noise pollution.
On Monday, the seized silencers were removed from the bikes and subsequently destroyed. Police confirmed that the altered silencers were legally disposed of on Tuesday, with plans to crush them to render them completely unusable. This measure is intended to send a clear and strong message that illegal modifications will not be tolerated in Mysuru. Authorities have also warned that repeat offenders will face stricter actions, emphasizing the seriousness with which they are treating noise pollution issues.
Community Impact and Future Measures
The crackdown has been welcomed by residents who had long suffered from the excessive noise, especially in sensitive zones such as near hospitals and educational institutions. The police's proactive approach aims to restore peace and order, protecting vulnerable groups like senior citizens from unnecessary disturbances. By targeting both the modified silencers and the riders responsible, the Mysuru traffic police are setting a precedent for other cities to follow in combating noise pollution effectively.
Looking ahead, police officials have indicated that similar drives will continue to be conducted periodically to ensure sustained compliance with noise regulations. They urge all vehicle owners to adhere to legal standards and avoid any modifications that could harm public health and tranquility. This enforcement effort underscores the city's commitment to creating a safer and more peaceful environment for all its inhabitants.
