Kohima police urges motorists to ensure lane driving, discard modified silencers

KOHIMA—, June 21 (EMN): Superintendent of Police, Kohima, Imnalensa on Wednesday urged motorists to ensure lane driving, saying that weaving in and out of traffic poses risk not only to themselves but also to occupants of other vehicles.

Speaking during a motorcycle rally held in Kohima to mark World Motorcycle Day, which falls on June 21, the police officer stressed on the need for traffic discipline while pointing out that there has been a rapid increase in the use of two-wheelers as a viable option to avoid traffic congestion in the state capital.

Kohima is also faced with noise pollution issue as modified silencers create nuisance, especially during the night time, he said.

Pointing out that noise generated by modified exhaust system is generally above 80 decibels, which is above the permissible limit as per the Motor Vehicle Act, the SP urged the gathering not to use modified silencers.

According to section 190(2) of the amended Motor Vehicle Act, 2019, which came into effect from October 2021, causing air and noise pollution can attract fine of up to INR 10,000 against INR 1000 under the old Act (1988).

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy SP (Traffic) T Henthai Phom said the day is significant as three responsible stakeholders — Kohima Police in collaboration with KK Motors (Royal Enfield) and Nagaland Motorcycle Club (NMC) Kohima Chapter – had come together in an effort to make a difference in the way people ride two-wheelers and to create awareness about traffic laws and regulations.

In an interesting move, the NMC handed over some modified silencers to the authority on the occasion and encouraged others to follow suit.

President of NMC Kohima Chapter, Khriebu Nakhro, said it was the love for riding that had brought the riders together and that they ride with a purpose as a club. He said the main objective of organising the motorcycle rally was to create awareness about noise pollution caused by modified exhaust system and that the club has a big role to play in ending the menace.

Sapulu Krocha, General Manager of KK Motors (Royal Enfield, Kohima), also urged the motorists to ride responsibly, saying that the society will grow when one takes one’s own responsibility in the day-to-day activities.

During the occasion, SP Kohima Imanlensa and Additional SP Relo T Aye flagged off the motorcycle rally which was organised by the Kohima Police in collaboration with KK Motors (Royal Enfield) and NMC Kohima Chapter. The club members and police personnel took part in the rally from SP Kohima office to NPSC office, Secretariat road.