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Kochi, Oct 20 (IANS) In a dramatic display of enforcement, the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department crushed nearly 200 illegal air horns using a road roller in Kochi on Monday as part of a statewide crackdown on noise pollution and traffic violations.
The action was taken under the direction of film star-turned-politician Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar, who has ordered strict measures to stop the rampant use of air horns across the state. The initiative aims to increase road safety and enforce compliance with traffic rules.
Television news crews gathered in large numbers to watch the destruction, underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal vehicle modifications.
The enforcement drive has targeted vehicles with air horns violating motor vehicle norms, especially private and interstate buses.
Since October 13, officials have been conducting inspections in Kochi and other districts, seizing several air horns and maintaining detailed records of the seized devices.
Minister Ganesh Kumar, who has been personally involved in several high-profile enforcement actions in recent weeks, reiterated the urgency of the operation.
“This practice has to end. We are taking decisive action to ensure compliance,” he said.
The action follows a recent incident in Kothamangalam, where a bus driver allegedly used an air horn while driving fast into a bus stand, sparking outrage among people. The driver’s license was later suspended and the vehicle permit cancelled.
Apart from roadside inspections, officials have directed hostels, buses and other vehicles to maintain proper documents and strictly follow traffic laws.
Officials said the public honking of air horns is intended to serve as a deterrent and set a strong example. Similar enforcement action is expected to be taken in other districts in the coming days.
This initiative reflects the commitment of the Government of Kerala to reduce noise pollution, improve road safety and ensure strict adherence to traffic rules.
–IANS
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