Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has introduced stringent regulations to curb noise pollution from loudspeakers at religious sites.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Addresses The State Assembly
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the state assembly on Tuesday, announced that any violation of prescribed noise limits—55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night—will result in the permanent revocation of loudspeaker permits. Fadnavis placed the onus of enforcement squarely on local police inspectors, making them responsible for ensuring adherence to the rules.
“Police inspectors must visit religious sites and verify if proper permissions have been obtained. If violations occur, the inspector will be held accountable,” he warned.
Failure to enforce the guidelines would invite disciplinary action against negligent officers. The Chief Minister clarified that the police would be required to monitor religious establishments in their jurisdiction and report any breaches to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), which has the legal authority to act against offenders.
Loudspeaker permits will no longer be issued on a blanket basis but for specific timeframes. Renewals will require fresh approval from the police. To strengthen enforcement, police stations have been equipped with sound meters to measure noise levels. Inspectors must conduct regular checks, and any violation will be reported to the MPCB for legal action.
“If police fail to enforce noise regulations, they too will face consequences,” Fadnavis reiterated.
About The Crackdown
The crackdown was prompted by BJP MLAs Devyani Farande and Atul Bhatkalkar, who raised concerns in the assembly about the ineffectiveness of existing noise pollution laws. Fadnavis admitted that past enforcement had been weak because the current legal framework grants enforcement power solely to the MPCB, leaving the police with limited authority to act against violators.
He stressed the need for legal reforms and announced plans to seek modifications from the central government to grant the state greater control over noise pollution enforcement. Reaffirming compliance with Supreme Court directives, Fadnavis underscored that religious institutions must obtain prior permission before using loudspeakers.
He warned that those found flouting the law would not only lose their permits but also have their sound equipment confiscated. With these new measures, the Maharashtra government aims to bring stricter enforcement of noise pollution norms, ensuring a balance between religious practices and public peace.
