Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered action against Azaan and loudspeakers in mosques in the Assembly. He has issued this order after BJP members objected to Azaan and loudspeakers in the House.

He said that the provision of loudspeaker permit will not be given permanently and it will also be checked whether the temporary permit has been renewed or not and after getting the permit, if the norms of noise pollution are violated, then first the police will inform the Pollution Control Board about it and then action will be taken against the concerned institution and if many complaints are received, their permit will also be canceled and it will not be renewed again.

He said that the Pollution Control Board has the right to take action regarding noise pollution and the police should also take action on it, so there is a need to amend this law. He said that therefore he demands from the central government that guidance should be provided in this regard and changes and amendments should be made in the law so that the police also get more power to take action on it.

Devendra Fadnavis said that as per the order of the Supreme Court, permission for loudspeakers is mandatory for religious places and action will be taken against anyone who uses loudspeakers without permission. Along with this, the Supreme Court has also made it clear that there is a complete ban on loudspeakers from 10 pm to 6 am. Along with this, the Supreme Court has also laid down some guidelines which are mandatory to be followed.

The sound limit has been fixed from 55 decibels to 45 decibels. If anyone violates this, action will be taken against him. For this, instructions have been issued to senior police inspectors to tell people about the use of loudspeakers and ensure action against anyone who continuously violates noise pollution norms.

Shahjahanpur, March 11: In a bid to maintain peace and ensure the safety of religious places during the upcoming Holi celebrations, the district administration of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has taken a unique precautionary step with over 60 mosques in the region been covered with tarpaulin sheets ahead of the famous ‘Joota Maar Holi,’ a colourful and chaotic event known for its exuberant processions and exuberant revelry.

The decision comes after extensive discussions with religious leaders and local authorities, aimed at preventing the mosques from being smeared with colours or, in some cases, shoes during the festivities.

Shahjahanpur is home to one of the most distinctive Holi traditions, where people engage in a playful ‘Joota Maar Holi’ during a procession that spans approximately 10 kilometres. The festivities attract thousands of participants, often leading to uncontrolled chaos, making the precautionary measures necessary.

To prevent damage to the mosques and ensure the smooth flow of the celebrations, the district administration, with the support of local religious leaders, decided to cover mosques and other religious structures with tarpaulin.

This is intended to keep them protected from the shoe hitting, colour splashes and potential disruptions associated with the event. Authorities have also planned for additional security measures, including surveillance and monitoring by police personnel in military uniforms, as well as the use of drones to keep a watchful eye on religious places during the celebrations.

While the Muslim community in Shahjahanpur has expressed their support for these protective measures, they have emphasised that the covering of mosques is in everyone’s best interest. By ensuring that no colour falls on their religious places, the atmosphere will remain undisturbed, allowing everyone to enjoy the festivities peacefully. The initiative has been broadly accepted, and religious leaders have voiced their approval after attending peace committee meetings with local officials.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh S. reassured the public, stating, “We have covered the mosques and are deploying special security around all religious structures. We are monitoring them with both videography and drone surveillance to ensure safety. The peace committee has given its approval, and the cooperation from the minority community is commendable.”

The district administration is hopeful that the celebrations will proceed without incident, maintaining the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb—the spirit of communal harmony—for which the city is known.

Mumbai: Citizens of Mumbai should not cut trees in view of the festival of Holi. Mumbai Municipal Corporation has informed that if unauthorized cutting of trees is found, a complaint will be lodged with the police.

The festival of Holi will be celebrated on Thursday, March 13, 2025. If any tree is being cut during this festival, then alert citizens should inform the Mumbai Municipal Corporation officials and the local police station or contact the Municipal Corporation’s toll-free number ‘1916’, such an appeal has been made to the Superintendent of Parks, Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the Member Secretary of the Tree Authority.

Under Section 21 of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Tree Protection and Conservation Act, 1975, it is a crime to cut any tree without the prior permission of the Tree Authority. There is a provision to impose a fine of at least Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 on the person concerned for each offense of unauthorized tree felling. He may also be sentenced to a jail term ranging from one week to one year.

Mumbaikars should try to ensure that Mumbai is green and beautiful. It is the duty of all citizens to protect and enhance the natural resources around them. We have to protect the trees that give us life. Therefore, all citizens should cooperate.