Rising menace of Bullet burst sounds
Rakesh Kumar Sharma
Today’s youth desires to live with freedom and is often restless in exploring every avenue to enjoy life. This includes indulging in cheap fads that may seem fashionable but often come without consideration for their adverse consequences on society. They are easily enticed and drawn to such reckless pursuits, which are unacceptable in a civilized society. One such fad is the bursting sounds produced by Bullet riders. While it may seem like harmless fun to these youngsters, they fail to realize the negative impact it has on fellow citizens and the environment.
Such reckless behaviour does not enhance their stature or personality. On the contrary, it tarnishes their reputation and brings disrespute to their families. A child’s upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping their overall development. Engaging in such reckless and disruptive acts is not a display of skill but rather a reflection of their values and family background. These activities are often carried out in groups increasing the likelihood of involvement in other unlawful acts. Moreover, such behaviour poses a significant challenge for law enforcement and Society at large. It becomes particularly concerning for working women who may have to commute alone at odd hours, as such lawlessness contributes to an environment of an insecurity and fear.
Noise Pollution: A Silent Villain
The sudden, loud sounds produced by these bike riders are extremely irritating and cause great distress among the general population, particularly impacting sick individuals, senior citizens, and fellow road users. While the violators may consider this a source of fun or excitement, they fail to recognize the serious consequences of their actions. These disruptive sounds not only startle others but can also lead to panic or distraction, increasing the risk of accidents on the road. This irresponsible behaviour also frightens domestic animals to a large extent, causing them unnecessary stress and anxiety. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to such noise pollution adversely affects the mental health of individuals, contributing to stress, anxiety, and discomfort in the community.
Managing Traffic congestion and law enforcement challenges
The loud exhaust sounds produced by modified bikes create significant traffic chaos, disrupting the flow of vehicles and causing unnecessary panic among road users. These sudden bursts of noise often startle drivers and pedestrians, leading to confusion and an increased risk of accidents. The situation is further compounded during peak hours, where such disturbances add to the already congested roads. For law enforcement agencies, this poses a considerable challenge as identifying and apprehending violators in real-time is difficult amidst heavy traffic. Moreover, the lack of adequate manpower, advanced monitoring equipment, and the ease with which offenders switch back to legal exhaust systems during inspections make it harder to enforce regulations effectively. This not only strains law enforcement resources but also undermines public safety and order. Despite all these challenges, police and other concerned agencies work diligently to address such situations with remarkable improvement observed during special drives.
Legal and Environmental Concerns
The loud sound produced by Bullet riders is often the result of installing modified silencers or using certain techniques to amplify the noise. This act constitutes a violation of Section 190(2) of the Amended Motor Vehicles Act which came into effect from October 2021 , causing air and noise pollution can now attract a fine of upto rupees 10000 instead of rupees 1000 earlier under the old Act (1988). Under this provision, offenders can also face imprisonment for upto three months. Additionally, their driving license may be disqualified for a period of three months. Beyond legal consequences, such unwanted modifications leads to excessive consumption of fuel significantly contributing to environmental pollution. This is particularly concerning in already polluted metropolitan cities, where increased emissions further degrade air quality and public health.
Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility to Curb Menace
This Menace can be checked with the multifaceted approach involving all concerned stakeholders. Educating young riders about the harmful effects of loud exhaust sounds on society, mental health and the environment is crucial. Schools colleges and social media platforms can play an important role in spreading awareness about expected riding behaviour. Responsible riding habits can be promoted through various modes which shall encourage a sense of responsibility among youngsters. Campaigns promoting safe and responsible biking along with community participation can instill discipline and safe riding on roads.
Authorities can play very sensible role by awareness and strict legal action. Traffic police through its campaigns like posters, announcements at traffic lights and mass media coverage can spread the awareness. Violators can be booked under Motor Vehicle Act, by conducting regular inspections at different places.
(The author is an Air Veteran and Retired Tehsildar)
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