Mumbai: 1608 places of worship across city are now loudspeaker-free, says Maharashtra
Mumbai: 1608 places of worship across city are now loudspeaker-free, says Maharashtra CM
M.U.H
12/07/202525
A total of 3367 loudspeakers have been removed from places of worship across the state as part of a concerted effort to curb noise pollution, the Maharashtra government has said. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Assembly on Friday that 1608 loudspeakers have been removed from places of worship in Mumbai alone, claiming that the religious places in the city are now loudspeaker-free.
Revealing the figures for Mumbai, Fadnavis said the action included the removal of loudspeakers from 1059 mosques, 48 temples, 10 churches, four gurudwaras, and 147 other religious establishments. Fadnavis was responding to the attention motion called by BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar on the issue of illegal loudspeakers and violations of noise levels.
“Not a single religious structure has a loudspeaker,” Fadnavis said, and warned of action if anyone tries to reinstall it. “If anyone tries to install the loudspeakers without proper permissions, in such cases police inspectors of that particular jurisdiction will be held responsible,” Fadnavis said, adding that he plans to make the necessary changes in the standard procedures to have implementation of this thought.
During the discussion, Mungantiwar suggested that in every session, the government should table a report about illegal loudspeakers and action taken on the same. The BJP MLA also suggested that the government should consider awarding 50 per cent of the total fine collected from violators to individuals who report illegal loudspeaker use. To this, Fadnavis, who is also the state home minister, said there is no need for a report to be tabled in every session, as all loudspeakers from religious sites have been removed.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray congratulated Fadnavis for achieving the goal of curbing noise pollution and the government’s action without any issue being created. Thackeray further suggested that when anyone applies for permission during festival season, like Dahi Handi, Ganeshotsav, Navratri, and other celebrations, the government should ensure that police should not harass those making such requests.
“Temporary religious structures come up during these festivals. Despite having permission for several years, when they approach police stations, they should not be harassed,” he said. Fadnavis assured the Assembly members that no harassment from police would be done in cases where anyone comes up with a proper request within specified rules.
The chief minister gave special appreciation to the Mumbai police, highlighting that they engaged concerned people and committee members in dialogue, referred to the Supreme Court order, and patiently explained the situation, leading to the peaceful removal of all loudspeakers.
“There was no religious tension. The implementation process was very smooth. The Mumbai police successfully carried out the task of making the city free of illegal loudspeakers,” Fadnavis said. According to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, the maximum noise level for the day (6 am to 10 pm) is set at 55 decibels and 45 decibels for the night (10 pm to 6 am) in residential areas.
