Kochi: Taking into cognizance the many complaints raised about noise pollution over the indiscriminate use of loudspeakers, a leading mosque in the Muslim-majority Malappuram district in Kerala has decided to deliver only one “Azaan” over loudspeaker instead of five.

As per a media report, around 17 other small mosques have taken cue from Valiya Juma Masjid, one of the biggest mosques in the area and will be following suit setting an example for others.

According to the agreement, the grand mosques will deliver the Azaan on loudspeakers while other smaller mosques will only repeat it without noise. A decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of the members of these mosque committees during which it was decided that the use of loudspeakers for all other religious purposes will also be stopped.

While the idea faced some initial opposition it was later accepted considering that the indiscriminate use of loudspeakers had a negative effect on nearby schools,hospitals.

A five-member panel has been formed to unify the timings of the Azaan prayer as well.

The mosque committee will also hold consultations with the Chief Qazi of Kozhikode, who wields enough influence among community members.

It may be recalled that a controversy had erupted when Bollywood singer and musician Sonu Nigam had commented on the use of loudspeakers for Azaan recently.