In a continued effort to curb unauthorised loudspeaker use, the Uttar Pradesh Police removed approximately 100 illegal loudspeakers on November 28. This initiative, initiated on November 23 and slated to persist until December 22, has already seen the removal of over 3,000 loudspeakers statewide
As part of the initiative to combat noise pollution, the Uttar Pradesh police have identified an additional 7,288 loudspeakers, installed with proper authorisation, that exceed the allowed decibel limits. The authorities have directed the reduction of sound levels from these loudspeakers to comply with regulations. Legal actions, including the filing of FIRs, were taken in Agra Commissionerate and Pratapgarh. In Gautam Buddha Nagar, 21 individuals were fined for failing to decrease decibel levels.
The campaign involves inspections at more than 61,399 places of worship. Special Director General of Law and Order, Prashant Kumar, has instructed police officers to conduct visits to religious sites from 5 pm to 7 pm during this period.
According to the police report, the Gorakhpur zone saw the highest number of loudspeakers removed, totaling 698. Conversely, Bareilly had the highest reduction in sound levels, with 1,975 loudspeakers adjusted. Among police commissionerates, Lucknow recorded the highest number of loudspeaker removals, with a count of 538.
At the district level, Ambedkarnagar district saw the highest number of loudspeakers taken down (283), closely followed by Bahraich district with 195 removals.
The SDG (law and order) mentioned that notices were issued to over a hundred places of religious importance where caretakers did not adhere to noise level norms despite repeated requests by the police. He emphasised that no individual or community would be harassed during the process of removing or lowering the sound of loudspeakers.
“We are maintaining a daily compliance report of the action being taken,” he stated. “Action was initiated after complaints of noise pollution were received. We are covering all those places where compliance has not been done in the past.”
This recent crackdown on loudspeakers follows the Uttar Pradesh government’s actions against halal-certified food products. The government issued a 15-day ultimatum to outlet chains, retailers, and department stores to remove such items from their shelves. Additionally, 92 state-based manufacturers previously certified by non-certified organizations were directed to recall their products within Uttar Pradesh or repackage them.
On November 18, the state imposed a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and sale of halal-certified food products. Approximately 500 establishments across various districts and 97 locations in the state were investigated to identify halal-certified products, resulting in the seizure of around 2,500 kg of such products.
The government escalated its response by transferring the case against four firms accused of irregularities in halal certification to the Special Task Force (STF) of the Uttar Pradesh police. The FIR includes charges under Sections 120B, 384, 420, 467, 468, 471, 153A, and 298 of the Indian Penal Code.
The complaint, filed by a Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) office-bearer, alleges that certain companies falsely certified products as halal to boost sales among a specific community for monetary gain, constituting forgery and cheating.
This dual initiative showcases the Uttar Pradesh government’s commitment to addressing both noise pollution concerns and issues related to halal-certified products in the state.
