Loudspeakers installed on temples cause noise pollution over a wide area

Statement by Indian Administrative Service officer Shailbala Martin

– Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Shailabala Martin

Bhopal (MP) – “The loudspeakers installed on temples, which spread noise pollution through speakers far and wide in many streets, which keep playing till midnight. They do not disturb anyone ?,” posted Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Shailbala Martin on ‘X.’ After making this post, she started being trolled. Martin had reposted this in response to another post. Hindu organisations have opposed Martin’s post, while the Congress party has supported it.

और मंदिरों पर लगे लाउडस्पीकर, जो कई कई गलियों में दूर तक स्पीकर्स के माध्यम से ध्वनि प्रदूषण फैलाते हैं, जो आधी आधी रात तक बजते हैं उनसे किसी को डिस्टरबेंस नहीं होता🤔 https://t.co/rQ8axYQkre

— Shailbala Martin (@MartinShailbala) October 20, 2024

Ms Martin, you have no right to hurt the sentiments of Hindus – Sanskriti Bachao Manch

Pandit Chandrashekhar Tiwari, President of the ‘Sanskriti Bachao Manch,’ stated, “If someone tries to hurt the sentiments of Hindus, then Sanskriti Bachao Manch will oppose it. Aarti and mantras in temples are not uttered five times a day on loudspeakers like Azaan. My question to Shailbala Martin is that when did she see stones being pelted on any Muharram procession ? Whereas stones are being pelted on the processions of Hindus. Therefore, Ms Martin, you have no right to hurt the sentiments of Hindus.”

📢 ‘Loudspeakers placed on temples cause noise pollution over a wide area!’ – Statement by Indian Administrative Service officer #ShailbalaMartin

👉 If the loudspeakers placed on temples are indeed causing noise pollution, then the administration should take action against… pic.twitter.com/BH3NElacTL

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) October 22, 2024

Action against loudspeakers during BJP rule is politically motivated – Congress

Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez, in support of Shailbala Martin, said that, “Action against loudspeakers during BJP rule is politically motivated. Since the action is based on religion, the State’s administrative officers have been compelled to speak on this issue.” (It would not be surprising if someone says that Congress, being like another Muslim League, supports those who speak against Hindus. – Editor)

Editorial Perspective

If the loudspeakers placed on temples are indeed causing noise pollution, then the administration should take action against them. The rules should be the same for everyone; however, for several decades, the call to prayer (Azaan) from loudspeakers on mosques, five times a day, has been causing noise pollution across the country, but no one speaks about it or takes any action. Will Ms Martin address this issue ?