An NGO, Awaaz Foundation has demanded to curb noise pollution by removing loudspeakers from all religious places in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Earlier, the state government had requested the central government to remove loudspeakers at religious places across the country. However, Sumaira Abdul Ali, who is the founder of Awaaz Foundation, has written a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in this regard. Apart from this, the foundation had also filed a petition in the Bombay High Court. The foundation in its letter also mentioned that it does not need to use loudspeakers for religious or political purposes.She also said, “This will not only controls noise pollution but also reduce the risk of infections during pandemic such as COVID. Large number of people for religious ceremonies should not be allowed. The use of loudspeakers, which creates noise pollution be avoided.” The Bombay High Court had observed that no religion or sect could claim that the right to use a loudspeaker or a public address system was a fundamental right conferred by Article 25 of the Constitution of India.In its directions to the state government, the HC asked it to consider carrying out noise mapping in all major cities so that the data so collected could help them in discharging their duties.Earlier, in 2014, Muslim activists had welcomed the Bombay High Court order directing the police to remove the unauthorised loudspeakers from 45 out of the 49 mosques in the area, the activists claim. Welcoming such a move, Sumaira said that, it is not just about making less or more noise. It is about faith, and it is about being a good citizen of the country or city you live in. It will not affect the environment as well as you in the long run.
