Over 3,300 Loudspeakers Removed From Religious Sites Across Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis
Over 3,300 Loudspeakers Removed From Religious Sites Across Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis
Mumbai, July 12, 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Legislative Assembly on Friday that 3,367 loudspeakers have been removed from religious places across the state as part of a statewide drive to control noise pollution.
In Mumbai alone, 1,608 loudspeakers were taken down. “There are currently no unauthorised loudspeakers at any religious site in Mumbai. I commend the Mumbai Police for conducting the operation peacefully, without triggering any religious or communal tensions,” Fadnavis said. He further warned that police officers would be held accountable if any of the removed loudspeakers were reinstalled without official permission.
The issue was raised during the Assembly session by BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar, who highlighted the public inconvenience caused by loudspeaker use. He proposed that 50 per cent of fines collected from violators should be awarded to the complainant. Responding to this, Fadnavis said the government supports the suggestion in principle and will explore its implementation.
Fadnavis reiterated that all religious institutions in the state must comply with existing regulations on loudspeaker use. Flying squads will be established under each police commissioner to monitor violations and take swift action.
During the discussion, NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad expressed concern over noise pollution in the Yeoor forest area, attributing the disappearance of wildlife to illegal loudspeakers. In response, Fadnavis assured that both the police and Forest Department have been instructed to strictly enforce silent zones in forest regions.
In a rare gesture of cross-party appreciation, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray lauded Fadnavis for the manner in which the drive was conducted, saying, “The initiative was carried out after consulting all stakeholders and deserves appreciation.”
However, Thackeray raised concerns about harassment of festival organisers by local police despite their having valid permissions. “With festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri approaching, will action be taken against officers who trouble mandals even when they have all necessary approvals?” he asked.
