Punjab pollution control board to impose ban: Blowing pressure horn can land you in jail for 6 years

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) will impose a complete ban on pressure horns, multi-tone horns and cracker-sound emitting silencers fitted in motor vehicles from October 1.

In a notice issued on Friday, the pollution board said anyone manufacturing, selling, purchasing, fitting and using these devices will face imprisonment up to six years or a fine of Rs 5,000 per day in line with the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Previously, the board, in collaboration with the traffic police, issued a fine of Rs 1,000 for the offence, along with impounding the devices.

PPCB chairman Kahan Singh Pannu said a statewide ban will be issued starting October 1 keeping in view the noise pollution caused by pressure horns, and cracker-sound emitting devices installed in motorcycles, especially Royal Enfield Bullet. 

Pannu said the board had earlier invited objections from the stakeholders against the ban, adding that the decision to impose the ban was taken after discussions with the Punjab government.

A statewide campaign will be initiated to spread awareness regarding the ban, through distribution of pamphlets among shopkeepers and consumers, the board chairman said, adding that starting October 1, anyone found using these devices will be issued a challan, following which the court will decide whether to award imprisonment or fine of ₹5,000 per day for a period determined by the court.

The PPCB, through a special drive initiated in July, has been challaning buses for using pressure horns.