Check mosques for noise levels: NGT tells AAP govt

New Delhi: A day after it asked for an action against places of worship for violating noise pollution guidelines, the National Green Tribunal on Wednesday directed the Delhi government to inspect mosques in east Delhi and check if the noise levels generated by loudspeakers during “azaan” were exceeding the permissible limit.

The counsel for various mosques submitted that they were using loudspeaker without exceeding the prescribed parameters.

However, the bench headed by chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to take appropriate action against them in case of violation.

“Counsel for respondent nos 6 to 10 and 12 (mosques) submits that they are using loudspeaker but they are not exceeding the prescribed parameters. They further state that they have no intention of disturbing the public at large or to violate the prescribed decibel standards.

“Counsel for the NCT of Delhi and the DPCC submits that they would conduct the inspection to check the noise level from different masjids stated in this application and would test the ambient air quality and noise level. If noise levels are found to be exceeding the prescribed decibel, they would take action in accordance with law,” the bench said.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) passed the order as it disposed of a plea by NGO Akhand Bharat Morcha alleging that illegal use of loudspeakers at such places adversely affected the health of the residents living in their vicinity.

The plea had alleged that the activities of some mosques were in violation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

It had claimed that these places of worship were located in silent zones housing schools and hospitals and their loudspeakers surpassed the laid down decibel levels.

The plea had said the residents of the area had informed the authorities, but no action was taken.

“Direct the police to ensure no noise pollution is caused by the respondent mosques and that the use of loudspeaker if any is within the prescribed limits of the law,” the plea said.