Mohan Yadav, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, wasted no time in his first order, banning the unauthorized use of loudspeakers and DJs at religious gatherings and public places across the state. The order emphasizes that loudspeakers and other sound devices should strictly adhere to prescribed volume limits, in line with the Noise Control Act, Noise Pollution Rules, and guidelines from higher courts.
The maximum volume limits, depending on the area type, were outlined: 75 dB during the day and 70 dB at night in industrial zones, 65 dB during the day and 55 dB at night in commercial areas, 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night in residential zones, and 50 dB during the day and 40 dB at night in silence zones.
To enforce these measures, flying squads will be formed in all districts, tasked with randomly inspecting places where loudspeakers are used. In case of violations, these squads will investigate within three days and submit reports to the administration. The government aims to collaborate with religious leaders to address non-compliance, maintaining a weekly review of places not following the rules. A compliance report is expected by December 31.
The order also designates the Additional Director General of Police, Crime Research Department, as the nodal officer for continuous monitoring of noise pollution cases.
Chief Minister Yadav, 58, was sworn in earlier in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries. Coming from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community, Yadav served as a minister in the previous Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. His decisive action reflects a commitment to addressing noise pollution and ensuring adherence to prescribed norms across the state.