All Vehicles, Including VIP Convoys, Barred From Unnecessary Honking; Sirens Only For Emergencies
The renewed campaign comes amid rising vehicular traffic in Tirumala, which receives nearly 2.5 crore devotees annually. More than 9,000 vehicles enter the hill town on weekdays, with the number crossing 11,000 during weekends and festivals
TIRUPATI: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), in coordination with Tirupati district police, has revived the 'No Horn Zone' initiative in Tirumala to curb noise pollution and preserve the sanctity and spiritual ambience of the hill town.
Awareness boards carrying messages such as 'No Horn Please' and 'Silent Tirumala Initiative' have been installed across Tirumala and along the ghat roads. Police personnel, TTD Vigilance and Security staff, and Transport Department officials have begun educating motorists, taxi operators and devotees against unnecessary honking.
The renewed campaign comes amid rising vehicular traffic in Tirumala, which receives nearly 2.5 crore devotees annually. More than 9,000 vehicles enter the hill town on weekdays, with the number crossing 11,000 during weekends and festivals.
TTD officials said the initiative aims to restore Tirumala's status as a silence zone. While the permissible daytime noise level is 50 decibels, AP Pollution Control Board data recorded levels between 71 and 76 decibels during 2014-18.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Tirupati superintendent of police L. Subba Rayudu said the drive reinforces an existing rule to reduce noise pollution and preserve the temple town's peaceful atmosphere.
"The rule applies to all vehicles, including private vehicles, taxis, TTD and police vehicles, and VIP convoys. Sirens will be used only during emergencies and enforcement duties," he said.
Officials said APSRTC bus drivers, taxi operators, private motorists and departmental drivers have been asked to comply with the norm, while police and TTD vigilance teams will continue awareness campaigns at key locations across Tirumala.
