TBM Report
The newly formed government in West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has initiated strict measures to regulate religious gatherings and prayers on public roads. Following the first cabinet meeting, BJP MLA Arjun Singh disclosed that the administration would no longer tolerate obstructions on public thoroughfares for religious purposes. This move marks a significant shift in the state’s administrative approach toward managing public spaces and ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow.
While political leaders have specifically mentioned restrictions on roadside prayers, senior police officials clarified that the executive order applies to all religious activities that impede movement. According to anonymous sources within the police department, law enforcement has been instructed to strictly enforce regulations against unauthorized blockades, regardless of the occasion. However, exemptions remain for major festivals like Durga Puja or Eid, provided that organizers obtain prior legal clearance and adhere to designated zones.
The cabinet has also addressed safety concerns regarding a mosque situated near the second runway of Kolkata Airport. The administration plans to “respectfully relocate” the structure, citing long-standing reports from the Ministry of Civil Aviation that it hinders flight operations and emergency runway usage. Additionally, the government has directed the police to enforce a strict 65-decibel noise limit for loudspeakers used by all religious institutions to curb urban noise pollution.
Human rights advocates and community leaders have reacted cautiously to these developments. While some support the implementation of noise control and traffic regulations, others emphasize the need for communal harmony. The administration has reiterated that these decisions are purely logistical and aimed at modernization, rather than targeting any specific community. Ensuring safety on roads and at the airport remains the top priority for the new cabinet.
