LUDHIANA has the dubious distinction of being a populated and polluted city. Besides air pollution, noise pollution has assumed alarming proportions and is the greatest irritant for the residents. Blaring speakers from religious places and marriage palaces have snatched the peace and tranquility from our lives.

The blatant misuse of loudspeakers on religious functions, weddings and during elections has made life miserable for those living in congested localities. The cacophony, especially during night long ‘jagratas’ has become the biggest enemy of those wanting a well-earned rest during night. The growing prosperity of the middle classes has also made them more religious-minded. Roads are blocked and the traffic diverted for holding kirtans at night. During the day, many temples and gurdwaras test the patience of the people, besides their ears, by loudly playing religious sermons over loudspeakers.

We are indeed living in a strange country. Everyone seems to claim a birthright to create a nuisance and torture others in the name of religion. Only a stiff legislation, a blanket ban on the use of loudspeakers and other sources of noise pollution, can restore the tranquility of our cities. Is someone listening?

RAHUL TREHAN