Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 14 (NationPress) Kerala's Transport Minister and former film star K. B. Ganesh Kumar has initiated a rigorous statewide initiative against the use of illegal air horns in buses and other vehicles, labeling them a significant threat to public safety and a contributor to noise pollution.

The Minister has instructed the Motor Vehicles Department (Kerala) to implement a special enforcement operation from October 13 to 19 aimed at seizing and destroying air horns, which remain prevalent despite being prohibited.

All confiscated air horns must be displayed publicly before the media and subsequently crushed using a road roller. Officials have been tasked to conduct inspections across all districts and provide a comprehensive report on the number of air horns confiscated.

Minister Ganesh Kumar pointed out that the rampant use of air horns, especially in private and stage carriage buses, has escalated, leading to increased noise pollution and safety hazards for road users.

“This behavior must cease. We are taking firm action to ensure compliance,” Ganesh Kumar stated, following a recent incident in Kothamangalam that stirred public outrage.

During a speech, a bus driver allegedly sounded an air horn and sped into the bus stand, causing chaos. The Minister demanded immediate action against the driver, resulting in the suspension of the driver’s license and the revocation of the vehicle’s permit. His recent directives illustrate a strict stance towards such offenses.

Officials indicated that the special operation will include surprise checks at major transit hubs, highways, and bus depots. The Motor Vehicles Department will collaborate with police to guarantee efficient enforcement. Seized horns will be destroyed on-site to send a clear message to violators.

Repeated violations may lead to the permanent revocation of vehicle permits and licenses.

Ganesh Kumar, known for his public engagements, was recently seen overtaking a state-owned transport bus after noticing plastic bottles left in the front area next to the driver.

He stopped the bus to reprimand the driver and conductor for this violation, despite previous orders against having any plastic bottles in state-owned buses.

In another recent event, he canceled a program after observing insufficient audience attendance.

The 60-year-old Minister has served the Pathanapuram assembly constituency for 25 years, and his party has historically aligned with both major political fronts in Kerala.