The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has retracted its notice demanding a reduction in the volume of a temple bell after facing significant public backlash. On August 5, the UPPCB investigated the sound levels of a bell at the Hare Ram Hare Krishna Temple located within the Gaur Saundaryam Society in Greater Noida-West. The investigation revealed that the bell’s sound intensity measured 72 decibels, exceeding the permissible limit of 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
The initial complaint, lodged on July 30 by a resident who reported discomfort due to the bell’s loud noise, prompted the UPPCB to issue a notice to the Apartment Owners Association (AOA) of the society. The notice requested a reduction in the bell’s volume to comply with noise pollution standards.
The notice was met with immediate and vocal resistance from the society’s residents. Public outrage quickly spread through social media, with many residents expressing frustration over what they viewed as disproportionate enforcement. Some argued that the UPPCB was neglecting more significant sources of pollution, such as industrial noise, while targeting the temple’s bell.
UPPCB Regional Officer DK Gupta confirmed that the notice was issued based on the sound level findings but acknowledged the strong public response. In light of the protests, the UPPCB decided to withdraw the notice.
Local resident Akhilesh Tiwari expressed discontent, saying that the Pollution Control Board should focus should be on major pollution sources rather than on a temple bell.
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