The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday sought responses from the Centre and the other authorities on a plea seeking a ban on the use of loudspeakers in mosques for alleged noise pollution.
A Bench headed by NGT Acting Chairperson Jawad Rahim issued notices to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Delhi Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The authorities have been asked to file their replies by June 26.
The directions came while the green panel was hearing a plea filed by NGO Akhand Bharat Morcha that alleged that illegal use of loudspeakers at mosques was adversely affecting the health of residents in the area. Referring to orders passed by the tribunal in 2017, the plea claimed that the loudspeakers surpass the prescribed decibel levels despite being located in silent zones including near schools and hospitals.
‘Failed to take action’
The NGT in September 2017, had directed the Delhi government and the DPCC to ensure that religious places in east Delhi strictly adhere to the guidelines pertaining to noise pollution. The panel had further directed the DPCC to take appropriate action in cases of violation of orders.
The plea, further, alleged that despite several complaints, authorities had failed to take any action.
