More than 1,400 loudspeakers have been removed from religious institutions across West Bengal over the past two days as part of a statewide police crackdown on noise pollution. The enforcement drive targeted places of worship found violating prescribed decibel limits under environmental regulations, with official sources confirming the removal of public address systems from 1,279 mosques and 199 temples across various districts.
Reacting to the ongoing anti-noise drive, senior West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh addressed the issue, questioning the necessity of loud sound systems during religious rituals. Ghosh noted that loudspeakers are not permitted everywhere and emphasized that religious practices historically existed long before the invention of modern audio amplifiers. He urged institutions to exercise self-restraint and regulate sound levels to ensure public convenience.
The minister further stated that sound levels should be controlled responsibly to prevent causing disturbance or inconvenience to others in nearby communities. While reiterating that compliance with noise control norms is essential for maintaining public order, Ghosh added that there is no need to forcefully impose measures on anyone, advocating instead for voluntary adherence to established noise pollution guidelines.