Kushalnagar residents protested on Friday night against private tourist buses playing loud music. Locals said these vehicles cause major distress to children and patients. Activist Arun said, "these buses operate with DJ sound systems day and night." Police later fined three buses, but residents now demand stricter legal action.
Activist Arun stated that these buses operate with DJ sound systems day and night
Madikeri: Residents of Kushalnagar town and surrounding villages have expressed outrage over the noise pollution caused by private tourist buses—arriving from neighbouring states—that play loud music in high-volume while travelling through their area. On Friday night, residents intercepted some of these buses at the Kushalnagar border and staged a protest, demanding that the authorities take appropriate legal action. According to locals, over a hundred buses arrive daily from the state of Kerala, transporting tourists to destinations such as Gonikoppal, Madikeri, and Kushalnagar in the Kodagu district. Residents complain that these vehicles, while traversing both main roads and rural routes, play music at extremely high volumes, causing significant distress to the local population. Activist Arun stated that these buses operate with DJ sound systems day and night—causing great disturbances to children, elderly, and patients in hospitals located along the roadsides. He alleged that the buses are equipped with excessively bright, glaring lights, which obstruct the vision of two-wheeler riders on the road and create risk of accidents. Residents of areas surrounding Kushalnagar are facing severe distress due to noise pollution caused by a large number of buses. Alleging that the police and transport authorities have failed to take strict legal action, the public has demanded immediate intervention. They have warned that if no action is taken, they will organise intense protests—with the support of various local organisations—to intercept and stop these vehicles. According to Kodagu district superintendent of police RN Bindu Mani, the Kushalnagar traffic police imposed fines on three buses that were violating traffic regulations while playing loud music.