Controversy after MP IAS officer questions noise pollution from temples
A 13-year-old boy collapsed and died during a Durga idol emersion in Bhopal. He was dancing to a DJ show when he dramatically collapsed on Friday
Amid a debate sparked by the death of teenager dancing to DJ music four days ago, an IAS officer in Madhya Pradesh has questioned the wisdom behind blaring noise emanating from temples.
IAS officer Shailbala Martin has questioned in a social media post the public address system installed at temples.
She pointed to the noise pollution caused by temples which she said can be heard several streets away and continue late into the night.
Boy dies as DJ plays
The officer’s post followed that of a journalist who questioned on X the disparity in enforcement, focusing on the use of public address systems in mosques and DJs playing music.
Last week, a 13-year-old boy collapsed and died during a Durga idol emersion in Bhopal. He was dancing to a DJ show when he dramatically collapsed.
The Madhya Pradesh Police started an investigation into the case even as the incident triggered a debate on the issue.
IAS officer criticised
But the IAS officer’s remarks on noise pollution sparked an angry response from Chandrashekhar Tiwari of the rightwing 'Sanskriti Bachao Manch' who threatened to stage a protest against her.
Martin is currently the additional secretary in the General Administration Department. She began her career in the State Civil Service and was promoted to the Indian Administrative Service in 2017.