Kochi: In a striking show of enforcement, the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department on Monday destroyed around 200 illegal air horns in Kochi by running them over with a road roller, as part of a statewide campaign against noise pollution and traffic violations.
The operation was carried out on the instructions of Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar, who has directed officials to adopt strict measures to curb the widespread use of air horns in vehicles across the state. The initiative aims to improve road safety and ensure strict compliance with motor vehicle regulations.
Television crews gathered at the site to capture the dramatic destruction, which officials said symbolised the government’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal vehicle modifications.
The drive targets vehicles, especially private and inter-state buses, that have been fitted with high-decibel air horns in violation of noise control laws.
Since October 13, enforcement teams have been inspecting vehicles across Kochi and other districts, seizing illegal air horns and documenting all confiscations.
Minister Ganesh Kumar, who has personally taken part in several recent enforcement actions, said the campaign would continue until the menace was fully curbed. “This practice has to end. We are taking decisive action to ensure compliance,” he said.
The crackdown follows a recent incident in Kothamangalam where a bus driver allegedly blared an air horn while speeding into a bus stand, sparking public outrage. Authorities later suspended the driver’s licence and cancelled the bus permit.
Officials said the public crushing of the seized air horns was intended to send a strong message and deter future violations. Similar drives are expected in other districts in the coming days.
The initiative underscores the Kerala government’s commitment to tackling noise pollution, enhancing road safety, and enforcing traffic laws more effectively.