Nitish Kumar bans use of siren by VVIP, VIP vehicles

PATNA: Taking into account the highly polluted air in the state capital, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday banned the use of siren by VVIP and VIP escort vehicles. However, the escort vehicles of governor and chief justice of the high court, apart from ambulance and fire tenders, have been exempt.

The decision was taken by the CM during a review meeting of the home department. The CM expressed concern over the rise in noise pollution in Patna. "It has been decided to exempt the vehicles of governor, chief justice, ambulance and fire tenders from the ban," an officer present at the meeting said.

"The CM has asked the police and officials of transport and environment and forest departments to launch an awareness campaign among vehicle owners and drivers about the growing noise pollution and request them to avoid unnecessary use of horns," he said.

Principal secretary (home) Amir Subhani and DGP PK Thakur were present at the meeting.

Sources in home department said the decision was taken in view of a number of VVIPs and VIPs using hooters even while crossing silence zones such as hospitals and educational institutions.