Letter to Editor (TOI) 11.08.02: Noise pollution

Dear Sir,

This is with reference to the news item regarding sound pollution and the provisions under the various Acts. Is there no provision to curtail the deafening noise from auto rickshaw exhaust pipes? Why are the RTO and Police not acting on this issue? One should only travel for a few minutes on Bangalore's roads to be acquainted with this problem. Also, what is the role auto rikshaw Unions play in this? Can they not advise their members against noise and air pollution? Are the Unions only for demanding higher meter fare and calling for bandhs & strikes when their demands are not met? Don't they have any such thing as a conscience when it comes to the general good of the public?

It's high time polluting auto rickshaw owners and drivers are brought in line. One cannot understand why the Government is so weak and pusillanimous when it comes to taking a tough line against consistent and habitual offenders. Don't they have a duty towards ensuring the health and well being of the tax paying public? There are many offences in this country which are ignored just because the offenders happen to be from a lower income group. So, if auto drivers modify their silencers and adulterate petrol to squeeze more mileage out of each litre of petrol they are probably excused by the Police because they are only trying to make ends meet. Same case for owners of ancient lorry, maxicabs and mopeds - just because they are from a poorer section of society they are allowed to go scot free even at the cost of public health. It's high time the Govt and its relevant depts wake up from their slumber and give the tax payer his due at least in terms of better air quality and a decent standard of living.