The move has been introduced in a bid to curb noise pollution in the hill station. Violators will be penalised under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Nainital’s no-honking zone: Route, penalty
An intensive checking drive has been launched for enforcement of the rule. Vehicles honking within the stretch from Tallital Danth to the Mallital Rickshaw Stand will be fined Rs 1,000.
On July 21, Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat had convened a meeting with public representatives and various departments to discuss the issue of noise pollution in Nainital. He later issued directives on the matter to the District Magistrate about a horn-free zone.
The Transport Department, police, and municipal corporation launched an awareness campaign to inform taxi unions, local businesses, and drivers of the new rule.
Signboards have been installed at several locations to highlight that the ban on honking is in effect from Tallital Danth to the Mallital Rickshaw Stand.
SDM Nawazish Khalik has said the police and administration teams are monitoring the area to ensure strict compliance with the no-honking rule. He appealed to all drivers to stop unnecessary use of horns.
Nainital attracts tourists throughout the year. The increasing number of vehicles was affecting the reputation of the town as a quiet tourist spot.
Other measures by Nainital’s administration:
To improve the traffic around Naini Lake, the administration also decided to mark the entire route from Tallital Danth to Hanumangarhi Band as an effective no-parking zone. Police and local officials have been asked to stop people from parking on the roadside to reduce traffic jams.
Government and private vehicles without valid fitness certificates will be seized. To curb increasing cases of illegal taxi operations, the transport department and the police have launched a joint campaign to identify private vehicles used for this purpose, issue challans and take necessary legal action.
