How Many Unauthorized Horns Were Removed in Mumbai?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 1,608 unauthorized horns removed from Mumbai.
- Operation conducted without any incidents.
- Policy established for unauthorized religious places.
- Municipal Corporations directed to act on unauthorized sites.
- New measures to combat noise pollution are in place.
Mumbai, July 11 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, announced on Friday that a total of 1,608 unauthorized horns have been removed from various religious sites across Mumbai. This action was part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing noise pollution.
“This entire operation was executed smoothly and without any incidents,” asserted the Chief Minister while responding to a motion raised by BJP legislator Sudhir Mungantiwar and others.
He revealed that horns from 3,367 religious places throughout the state have been removed as of now.
“Going forward, half of the fines collected for unauthorized horns will be awarded to the complainants. Should unauthorized horns be installed again in the state, the officer in charge of the respective police station will be held accountable,” he stated.
The Chief Minister further indicated that any form of musical instruments will be prohibited in forested areas, noting that the Forest Department and police have been given clear directives on this matter.
“Special flying squads will be established under the supervision of all police commissioners to combat noise pollution, and immediate measures will be taken against those playing horns. A stringent standard operating procedure is now in place to manage horn players, and extensive awareness campaigns are being launched to address noise pollution,” he elaborated.
In another session, Madhuri Misal, the Minister of State for Urban Development, addressed a separate motion from BJP legislator Manda Mhatre, stating that a comprehensive policy has been developed concerning the regularization, eviction, or relocation of unauthorized religious places in the state.
The minister mentioned that a circular issued by the Urban Development Department on November 5, 2016, provided specific guidelines for addressing unauthorized religious sites.
“Municipal Corporations are directed to take appropriate actions against unauthorized religious places based on their respective categories,” she added.
Minister Misal explained that unauthorized religious sites have been classified into various categories. Category 'A' includes sites eligible for regularization before 2009, 'B' for eviction, and 'C' for relocation.
The state government has established committees at the state, district, and municipal levels to facilitate actions based on these classifications.
“Decisions regarding regularization, eviction, or relocation will involve feedback from municipal-level committees, ensuring that no unilateral actions are taken against any religious site,” insisted the minister.