Kolkata, August 7: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday said that 5,299 loudspeakers have been removed from religious places across the state as part of the government's ongoing enforcement of noise pollution regulations.
According to the Chief Minister, the removals include 4,203 loudspeakers from mosques and 1,096 from temples. He stated that the action is being carried out in compliance with the 2022 Calcutta High Court order and existing noise pollution norms.
Addressing reporters, Adhikari said the government is implementing the law uniformly across all religious institutions. He clarified that loudspeakers exceeding the prescribed 50-decibel noise limit are being removed irrespective of whether they are installed at temples, mosques, or any other place of worship.
The Chief Minister also rejected allegations of forced action, stating that the police are carrying out the drive peacefully and with the cooperation of religious authorities.
"There is no forceful removal. The police are doing their job as per the court order, and everyone is cooperating," he said.
The enforcement drive has sparked political debate across the state. The BJP defended the initiative, saying it is purely aimed at enforcing noise pollution laws and should not be viewed through a religious lens.
West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya said people should be free to practise their faith peacefully without causing noise pollution, adding that the law should apply equally to every religious institution.
Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul also reiterated that the rules are being enforced uniformly for all places of worship.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticised the government's approach. Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy alleged that the exercise reflects a divisive political agenda and disproportionately affects the Muslim community.
AJUP chief and Nowda MLA Humayun Kabir said that while compliance with Supreme Court guidelines on loudspeaker usage is necessary, the government should focus more on development and governance instead of repeatedly highlighting issues such as loudspeakers and religious practices.
Religious organisations have appealed for peaceful cooperation. Nizamuddin Biswas of the All Bengal Imam and Muezzin Association urged mosque committees not to obstruct police officials during the removal process while advising them to document the proceedings through photographs and videos for any future legal action.
Legal experts have also indicated that the matter could soon reach the Calcutta High Court. Senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya said that either a petition or a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is expected to be filed challenging aspects of the implementation.
The state government has maintained that the drive is solely intended to ensure compliance with judicial directions and environmental regulations aimed at reducing excessive noise pollution across West Bengal.
