Varanasi Police Launches Major Enforcement Drive Targeting Noise Pollution and Road Safety
In a decisive move to curb noise pollution and enhance road safety, the Varanasi police, under the directives of Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal, executed a comprehensive checking campaign across the city on Thursday. The operation specifically targeted the rampant use of illegally modified silencers on two-wheelers, excessively noisy devices, and vehicles operating without proper or defective number plates.
Strict Action Against Modified Silencers and Number Plate Violations
The crackdown yielded significant results, with police teams conducting thorough inspections at multiple locations. In the Chetganj area, authorities checked six shops, leading to the seizure of 10 excessively noisy modified silencers. Furthermore, one vehicle was confiscated under Section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act, and cases were registered against the involved shopkeepers.
Similarly, in the Cantt region, police inspected one shop, resulting in the seizure of 10 modified silencers and one vehicle, with cases also filed against the shopkeepers. Overall, the campaign saw 44 challans issued and a substantial fine of Rs 1,03,500 imposed on 50 vehicles found with modified silencers, while six vehicles were seized outright.
The enforcement extended to number plate violations, where 264 challans were issued and a hefty fine of Rs 8,34,700 was levied on 279 vehicles operating without or with defective number plates. Additionally, 15 vehicles were seized for these infractions, underscoring the police's zero-tolerance approach.
Simultaneous Seven-Hour Boat Safety Operation on the Ganga
In a parallel initiative focused on waterway safety, the Varanasi police conducted an extensive seven-hour operation on the Ganga River. This meticulous inspection aimed to verify passenger capacity, availability of life jackets, and adherence to pollution control standards for boats operating at the iconic ghats.
A total of 173 boats were scrutinized during this operation, with 13 boats seized for violating established safety and regulatory standards. Police verified the identity cards of boat operators and checked their ages to ensure compliance. Safety equipment was thoroughly inspected, revealing that 15 boats lacked adequate life jacket arrangements. Some boats had jackets available, but they were insufficient relative to the number of passengers onboard.
Engine-powered boats underwent separate, detailed inspections to ensure they met all operational guidelines. Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shivhari Meena emphasized the importance of such operations, noting that a large number of devotees and tourists, both from India and abroad, frequent the Ganga ghats for boat rides.
"In such circumstances, special operations are conducted from time to time by the police administration for passenger safety, prevention of potential accidents, and cleanliness of the Ganga," stated Meena, highlighting the proactive measures taken to safeguard public welfare and environmental integrity.
This dual-focused enforcement drive underscores the Varanasi police's commitment to addressing both terrestrial and aquatic safety concerns, ensuring a safer and more regulated environment for residents and visitors alike.
