#PrayBeQuiet: Beat the loudspeakers, let your voice be heard

A series of controversial tweets from singer Sonu Nigam on Monday morning, questioning the need for mosques in India to use loudspeakers for azan (a call to prayers), sparked a furore on social media. In several orders, the Supreme Court of India as well as the Bombay High Court have directed that noise pollution rules should be strictly followed. Courts have directed that noise levels at religious places should be controlled in accordance with silence zone norms, where the use of loudspeakers or public address system is not permitted. While opinion is divided on social media, DNA spoke to a cross section of Mumbaikars for their opinions on noise pollution norms being violated by unauthorised loudspeakers at religious places, during religious processions and festivals.

We are a secular country, and we must tolerate each-others' religious practices. If any practice is justified, and if it's just about offering prayers, then it should not bother anyone; nor should it be treated as an 'issue'. I do not think that the use of speakers should be stopped.

— Nitin Rangud, works at the Mahalaxmi area

I enjoy every festival as my neighbourhood becomes very lively during such times and people of different religions come together to celebrate the same. I respect all religions. I stay opposite a church and a mosque, but the noise from these religious institutions doesn't affect me as it's a part of their culture.

— Niloufer Mujawar, Vashi

My office is situated right next to a mosque in Andheri, which is why I am able to hear the azan 5 times a day, 365 days a year. The noise doesn't really bother me now, as I am used to it. The Mumbai Police have imposed certain restrictions to curb noise pollution but it has largely been incompetent in effectively clamping down on the nuisance. Unless there is rigorous implementation of law, noise pollution is here to stay.

— William John, Andheri

What is there to complain about noise pollution? Festivals are there to be celebrated. Some say there shouldn't be azans, and others say Ganesh processions are bothersome; but everyone follows their religion. Who are we to stop all this? However, I feel loudspeakers at religious places can be restricted within their premises. In this way, it will be beneficial to all.

— Dinesh Dharmasarwan, Shivaji Park

We have a huge noise pollution problem as our area is surrounded by a lot of temples. During the time of festivals, decibel levels go up with DJ music and deadlines are often flouted. All this becomes irksome for people in the vicinity. It will be appreciated if people become more responsible and sensitive to the surrounding residents as nobody wants to spoil the festivities or the mood around.

— Agnelo George, Andheri East

People just chant and make noise in the name of God — be it any religion. The use of heavy musical instruments and speakers increase the level of noise which people of my age find unbearable. Although the corporation is trying its best to reduce noise around the area, people still continue to flout regulations in one way or the other. The money splurged on DJs during festivals can be used for some development work instead.

— A Ali Pathankar, Shivaji Park

Noise has become a major problem in people's lives. Speakers are not required to offer prayers as they can be offered in silence as well. They should either lower the sound or put the speakers inside. In temples, the sound comes occasionally and is not very loud. The azan happens 4-5 times a day, which causes disturbance. People ought to adapt to changing times and steps must be taken to avoid inconvenience to others.

— Himan Joshi, a resident near Mahalaxmi Temple

EXPERT SPEAK

Noise pollution has very serious health implications and that has to be the only focus at this moment. As responsible citizens of the country, people shouldn't get stuck in the religious debate, rather they should come out — irrespective of the religion they follow — and support the movement against violation of noise pollution rules in silence zone. Muslims need to conduct azans without violating the noise pollution laws and the same rules should be the applied for a temple or a church. This will be in the public interest and in accordance with Supreme Court and Bombay High Court orders.

— Sumaira Abdulali, Convenor of Awaaz Foundation

I would like to thank Sonu Nigam for raising this issue as we have been urging celebrities, politicians, and even religious leaders to raise the issue of noise pollution. The first thing that needs to be done is to not make the issue of loudspeakers a religious issue for the simple reason that no religion in the world has ever asked its followers to use loudspeakers and cause inconvenience to others. More people should raise their voice and speak against it.

— Dr Mahesh Bedekar, Activist who filed a petition against noise pollution during religious festivals