Crackdown on pressure horns in Shimla: Joint drive to curb noise pollution

Shimla, August 29: In a bid to reduce noise pollution and enhance road safety, the Himachal Pradesh government is going to crack down on drivers using pressure horns in Shimla. In this initiative, the Pollution Control Board, Police and Transport Department will jointly conduct a city-wide campaign.

The aim of this campaign is not only to enforce the ban on pressure horns but also to make people aware about the harmful effects of excessive honking. Vehicles fitted with pressure horns will be thoroughly checked and the offending devices will be removed on the spot.

The campaign was discussed in a recent review meeting of the Himachal Transport Development and Road Safety Council chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. He stressed the need for a no-horn awareness programme and directed the Pollution Control Board to spearhead the initiative.

Shimla is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of noise pollution due to its dense geographical location and the presence of many educational institutions, government offices and hospitals along its main roads. The constant use of pressure horns not only causes inconvenience to patients and students but also poses a major risk of road accidents by distracting other drivers.

As the departments are finalising their preparations, the campaign is expected to begin soon, providing the much-needed relief to the city residents and ensuring a safer, quieter environment.