No illegal loudspeaker in any place of worship in Sambhajinagar city
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Police commissioner Pravin Pawar told TOI on Wednesday that a total of 6,591 loudspeakers installed at various religious sites were removed following a sustained awareness and persuasion drive. "Today, there is no illegal loudspeaker at any religious place in the city," Pawar said, adding that the police worked with religious heads, social workers, and politicians before approaching individual places of worship.
"This was not about confrontation; it was about convincing everyone to abide by the law," said Pawar.
The exercise comes against the backdrop of statewide directives to enforce the Supreme Court and high court rulings on permissible sound levels, along with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules. Starting in July, the police issued notices and held meetings at the levels of police stations, division, and zone levels, with some even escalating to the level of the police commissioner.
Deputy commissioner of police (crime) Ratnakar Navale said the Sambhajinagar police drive focused on educating stakeholders about the legal provisions. "We highlighted the directives of the Supreme Court, the Bombay HC, the Noise Pollution Rules, and orders from the director general of police's office. The best part is that people readily cooperated and removed all the loudspeakers themselves," Navale said.
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The campaign was carried out in phases, starting with meetings in police stations, followed by visits to mosques, temples, gurdwaras, Buddha vihars, churches, among other places. The special branch, led by inspector Avinash Aghav, said the presence of community leaders during these visits helped prevent misunderstandings and ensured uniform application of the law across all faiths.
According to senior officers, no force or confiscation was necessary during the operation. "We achieved 100% compliance purely through dialogue and mutual respect," a senior officer said. The move has been welcomed by environmental activists, who point out that it will reduce ambient noise levels in densely populated areas. City police officers said they will continue monitoring to ensure no unauthorised loudspeakers are reinstalled.
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Hindustan Times
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Time of India
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Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
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The money laundering case pertains to the unauthorised construction of 41 residential and commercial buildings on govt and private land under the jurisdiction of the VVMC, which included land spanning 30 acres designated for sewage treatment and dumping facilities. The 41 buildings were demolished only after a recent court order, resulting in financial and housing losses for those who purchased flats in the structures. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
