PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Rudrapur
Taking cognizance of numerous complaints received over the past few days, the mayor Vikash Sharma held a detailed discussion with SSP Manikant Mishra and directed stern and immediate action against the loudspeakers blaring in violation of regulations at some religious sites. The complaints pertain mainly to those involving the city’s slums.
Notably, the residents of various localities had complained to Sharma that high-powered loudspeakers, particularly in mosques, had been installed in violation of regulations. The noise generated by these loudspeakers was not only violating the Supreme Court guidelines but also seriously disrupting children’s education and negatively impacting health of the elderly and the sick.
He later stated that noise pollution regulations should be strictly enforced by all to maintain peace and law and order in the city. Following the mayor’s instruction, the SSP immediately directed the officers concerned to identify religious sites in their respective areas where the noise regulations are being flouted.
However, at the same time, the mayor made it clear in a statement issued for the press that their objective is not to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments, but to ensure compliance with the law. The mayor said that according to the rules of the High Court and the Pollution Control Board, the use of loudspeakers is completely prohibited from 10 PM to 6 AM. Even during the day, the sound intensity should be kept within the prescribed decibel limit, he said and added that loudspeakers installed in violation of the rules in the city would be removed. The SSP said that the parties concerned would first be warned and if there is no improvement despite this, the loudspeakers would be removed and legal action would be taken.
The mayor has appealed to all religious leaders and management committees to voluntarily follow the standards while fulfilling their social responsibility so that a harmonious environment is maintained in the city.
