Lucknow police launch major drive to curb noise pollution, take down loudspeakers from shrines

The Lucknow Police launched a fresh drive on Saturday to remove illegal loudspeakers from mosques and temples across the Wazirganj area as part of the Uttar Pradesh government’s campaign to control noise pollution. The operation, conducted peacefully, aimed to ensure that religious places follow the noise control laws introduced by the Yogi Adityanath government in 2022.

Officials said that the move was part of the ongoing “noise control and regulation drive”, under which more than one lakh loudspeakers have already been removed and over 1.5 lakh have had their sound levels reduced across the state. Police officers also met religious leaders, explaining the importance of maintaining sound limits to ensure peace and harmony in residential areas.

Loudspeakers removed peacefully from several sites

The operation in Wazirganj began early in the morning, with teams visiting multiple mosques and temples that had unauthorised sound systems. At the Molsari Mosque in Golaganj, police officials interacted with the imam and helped take down a high-mounted loudspeaker after explaining the government guidelines.

Next, officers visited the Malka Jamani Mosque, where another set of loudspeakers was removed without resistance. The same process was followed at the Batuk Bhairav Temple, where police personnel dismantled loudspeakers after discussing the rules with the temple priest. The officers made sure that every action was carried out peacefully and in full cooperation with local religious representatives.

Authorities mentioned that the Wazirganj area has around 40 mosques, most of which had one or more loudspeakers installed. Police teams systematically visited each location, ensuring that all unauthorised loudspeakers were taken down in an orderly manner.

At the Guin Road Mosque, which was locked at the time of inspection, police contacted the local cleric to open the premises. A ladder was arranged on the spot, and the speakers were safely removed in the presence of officers. The approach remained respectful, and all actions were taken after clear communication with religious leaders to avoid misunderstandings.

Residents in the area appreciated the police’s calm and cooperative approach. Many community members said they supported the drive if it helps maintain peace and reduces disturbance during early mornings or late-night hours.

Statewide campaign to control noise levels

The Yogi Adityanath-led government began the statewide noise regulation initiative in 2022 to control the use of high-volume loudspeakers at religious places, public events, and other establishments. The campaign was launched after several complaints from citizens regarding sound pollution, especially during festivals and prayers.

Under this policy, authorities directed that loudspeakers at religious sites should not exceed the prescribed decibel limits set by the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. Any sound system found operating without proper permission or exceeding limits would be either removed or have its volume reduced.

Since the campaign’s launch, over 1,00,000 unauthorised loudspeakers have been taken down, while 1,50,000 others have had their sound volumes adjusted to legal standards. The government said that the drive applies equally to all religions and communities to ensure fairness and uniform enforcement.

Police officials stated that this initiative is not meant to target any specific group but to promote a peaceful coexistence among citizens. They added that the removal of loudspeakers has helped reduce sound pollution in residential zones, schools, and hospitals, where excessive noise can cause serious health problems such as hearing loss, stress, and sleep disturbances.

Authorities also clarified that the use of loudspeakers is not completely banned but regulated. Religious institutions can continue using sound systems after obtaining official permission and ensuring they follow the prescribed noise limits. The aim, they said, is to strike a balance between the right to religious expression and the right to live in a peaceful environment.

Efforts to maintain communal harmony

Senior police officials in Lucknow highlighted that officers were instructed to carry out the drive sensitively to prevent any tension between communities. In most places, religious leaders extended full cooperation, appreciating the police’s efforts to create awareness rather than impose penalties.

According to officials, community engagement played a key role in the success of this drive. Instead of sudden enforcement, the police held talks with clerics, priests, and local residents to ensure everyone understood the purpose behind the action. This approach helped maintain social harmony and ensured compliance without conflict.

The Wazirganj drive will continue over the coming days, covering more areas in Lucknow to ensure all places of worship meet the state’s sound regulations. The police department said similar operations will also be carried out in other districts of Uttar Pradesh in the next phase.

Environmental experts have praised the government’s consistent effort to address sound pollution, which they say is often ignored but has serious long-term effects on human health and urban well-being. The reduction in noise levels in several Uttar Pradesh cities has been recorded as one of the positive outcomes of the campaign.

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Campaign to continue across Uttar Pradesh

The Lucknow Police have confirmed that the campaign will not be limited to Wazirganj alone. It is part of a statewide policy to make Uttar Pradesh cities cleaner, quieter, and more liveable. The government also plans to review the success of the drive regularly and take necessary measures wherever compliance remains low.

Officials said that the ultimate goal is not only to enforce the law but also to promote awareness among citizens about the harmful effects of noise pollution. Public cooperation, they said, will be crucial for the long-term success of this initiative.

As the campaign continues, the authorities hope that both religious institutions and the public will work together to create a peaceful environment, proving that faith and discipline can coexist in harmony.

In conclusion, the latest removal drive in Lucknow’s Wazirganj area is a reminder of the government’s determination to maintain order and protect the health and comfort of citizens. By focusing on understanding and cooperation rather than confrontation, the police have set an example of how law enforcement can balance faith with responsibility in a diverse society like India.