A police crackdown on two-wheeler riders using modified silencers in Santa Cruz on Thursday has brought back memories of former Chief Minister late Ravi Naik’s 1991 campaign against noise pollution in the area.
Old Goa police launched an enforcement drive against riders creating public nuisance with excessively loud motorcycles, prompting residents to recall how Naik had implemented strict measures to maintain peace and order during his tenure.
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North Goa SP Rahul Gupta said, “I was at a naka in Santa Cruz for about 15 minutes and checked a few bikes and four-wheelers. Two suspicious bullet bikes were stopped because they were making a lot of noise. PI (Old Goa) was called on the spot and directed to issue challans to the violators.”
Residents of Santa Cruz welcomed the move, urging police to sustain such drives and to act against garages and individuals who modify silencers. They said strong penalties were essential to curb the growing menace.
A local resident said, “These noisy sounds are very common in the St Cruz area. Youth with modified silencers are often seen on the roads. At night, the noise is so loud it disturbs our sleep. Many riders also go without number plates to avoid challans and remove helmets after crossing the Bhatlem circle, which is very risky.”
He added, “My humble request to the police and traffic cell is to continue such surprise checks every other day to reduce the menace caused by these miscreants who risk their lives and those of others.”
The crackdown has been widely appreciated as a much-needed step to ensure safer and quieter residential zones in Santa Cruz.
