Modified motorcycle silencers shatter peace in Hyderabad colonies, residents demand stricter action

Residents have raised concerns about noise pollution caused by motorcycles with modified silencers, which they say is disrupting their peace. “The deafening noise is disturbing and irritating for both senior citizens and children. Youngsters are altering silencers for fun or to show off, but it’s becoming a nuisance and punishment for others,” said Mohd Saleemuddin, an IT professional from Tolichowki.

Hyderabad: Motorcycles fitted with modified silencers are robbing the peace of citizens in the residential colonies despite the traffic police taking up special drives to curb the menace.

The residents complain of noise pollution from modified silencers fitted to motorcycles shattering their peace. “Senior citizens and children get irritated and disturbed by the deafening noise. For fun or status symbol, the youngsters are tampering with the silencers but it is turning out to be a punishment for the people,” said Mohd Saleemuddin, an IT professional from Tolichowki.

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The traffic police are conducting special drives against the violators and booking cases. To send a warning to deter the motorcycle owners, the police are also bulldozing the seized silencers.
“We appreciate the efforts of the police. But to be frank, it is not solving the problem. In colonies the thunderous sound wakes up infants from sleep. Imagine the trauma a baby faces due to the sound pollution,” complained Yasmeen Begum, a resident of Kalapather.

Senior citizens, patients, infants and those in need of rest within the privacy of their homes are worst affected. The situation turns horrible during the night when there are no traffic policemen around. “Groups of youngsters speed around the colonies especially around playgrounds in the residential areas for fun,” Mohd Shareef, a senior citizen from Jangammet Falaknuma said.

Psychologist Fatima Shaik said the constant exposure to high-decibel sounds force the body release stress hormones, leading to feelings of anxiety, irritability, and sleep disruptions. “The noise makes it hard for children to concentrate, leading to struggles with focus and poorer academic performance. Over time, this constant noise exposure can contribute to attention disorders and emotional instability,” she said.

The citizens demand the police higher ups involve the law and order patrolling teams to curb the menace. “Cases should be booked under BNS Act and Environmental laws against the violators and the vehicle seized. Mere Motor Vehicle Act cases will not help in curbing the problem,” said Kareem Ansari, a social worker from Shaheennagar.

– Rule Position:

As per the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, police can take action against bikes which produce noise level of above 80 decibels

– Health problems association with sound pollution:

Physical: Respiratory agitation, racing pulse, high blood pressure, headaches and, in case of extremely loud, constant noise, gastritis, colitis and even heart attacks. Noise can cause attacks of stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety and hysteria in both humans and animals
Sleep and behavioral disorders:

Noise above 45 dB stops one from falling asleep or sleeping properly. Loud noise can have latent effects on behaviour, causing aggressive behaviour and irritability

Memory and Concentration:

Affects ability to focus, which can lead to low performance over time, also bad for memory, making it hard to study