The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Delhi government to inspect mosques in east Delhi and check whether the noise levels generated by loudspeakers during azaan (call to worship) exceeded permissible limits.
A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to take appropriate action against them in case of violation.
Prescribed parameters
The Tribunal passed the order as it disposed of a plea by non-government organisation Akhand Bharat Morcha alleging that illegal use of loudspeakers at such places adversely affected the health of the residents living in the vicinity.
The counsel for various mosques submitted that they used loudspeakers without exceeding the prescribed parameters.
The plea had alleged that the activities of some mosques were in violation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
It had claimed that these places of worship were located in silent zones housing schools and hospitals and their loudspeakers surpassed the laid down decibel levels.
No action taken
The plea by NGO had alleged that the residents of the area had informed the authorities, but no action was taken.
“Direct the police to ensure no noise pollution is caused by the respondent mosques and that the use of loudspeaker if any is within the prescribed limits of the law,” the petition stated further.
