Thursday, March 28, 2024

Karnataka govt gives 15-day deadline to regularise loudspeakers

The Karnataka government has issued a circular ordered to obtain permission from authorities to use loudspeakers or remove them within 15 days, targeting Muslims’ call for prayer, Azaan, through megaphones.

The order comes a day after Hindu right-wing groups in Karnataka, like Sri Rama Sene, Bajrang Dal and Hindu Janajagruthi Samithi, launched the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ campaign to counter Muslims using loudspeakers for Azaan from mosques.

Hindu nationalist groups have launched a nationwide campaign against Muslims using loudspeakers for Azaan.

State Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Wednesday said its implementation will be strictly monitored and action will be taken as per law in case of any violations.

“Regarding the loudspeaker issue, guidelines have been issued yesterday and 15 days time has been given to file applications, (designated) authorities have also been mentioned in it (guidelines). It is being strictly followed up, loudspeakers cannot be used between 10 pm to 6 am,” Jnanendra informed reporters.

“Without permission, no one can use loudspeakers, and everyone should abide by the guidelines issued,” he added. It also bans the use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am, except during public emergencies.

Anybody who fails to comply with the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, will be booked under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the circular added.

For industrial areas, the decibel limit is set at 75 decibels for the day and 70 decibels for the night. In commercial areas, it is fixed at 65 decibels in the morning and 55 decibels at the night.

It is fixed at 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night for residential areas. In silent zones, it is 50 decibels in the morning and 40 decibels at night.

Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik thanked the government for issuing the order.

spot_img

Don't Miss

Related Articles