Notices issued to places of worship; horn speakers to be removed within 24 hours

Thiruvananthapuram: In an effort to curb noise pollution, notices have been sent to over 250 places of worship in the state. The notice was issued on the basis of complaints received by the Home Affairs department. 

Many establishments received such notices over the last few weeks. The notice directs removal of horn speakers (trumpet horns) citing a law that prohibits its use. It also warns of legal action without notice if the horn speakers are not removed within 24 hours.

Notices are issued by the SIs and DHOs. The committees of the religious institutions  are in consideration regarding this unexpected notice. 

In May this year, the Home Affairs department had directed the police chief to take action based on the complaint received from a resident of Thiruvananthapuram against the use of banned horn speakers in religious places.

The complainant had compiled a list of places of worship where noise pollution is rampant on the basis of information received from the public. This list includes temples, mosques and churches. Based on this, notices are now being sent to various establishments.