LUCKNOW: To curb noise pollution, police launched a three-day drive in UP Sunday to remove or regulate over 1,400 loudspeakers from religious and public places, reports Pathikrit Chakraborty. The campaign, initiated under the supervision of additional director general (law and order) Amitabh Yash, was launched after reports indicated widespread violations of prescribed noise limits under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules. DGP Rajeev Krishna had instructed all police commissioners, SSPs, and SPs to ensure that no loudspeaker should be allowed after 10pm and all sound systems should adhere to the decibel limits set by the Pollution Control Board. “This campaign is a part of a larger effort to maintain public order and communal harmony. Loudspeakers should not create disturbance. The rule is simple – follow permissible sound levels and timings,” said an officer at DGP headquarters. Giving zone-wise updates, ADG, Kanpur Zone, Alok Singh, said 382 loudspeakers were removed from eight police districts under his jurisdiction. “Of these, 38 were donated to schools and colleges for use. The exercise was carried out peacefully with the cooperation of religious leaders and local committees,” Singh said.