CHENNAI: A sudden fire that broke out near a canal close to the Avathipalayam bus stand in Pallipalayam on Thursday evening highlighted concerns over excessive loudspeaker noise, after a passer-by reportedly struggled to contact the Fire and Rescue Services due to blaring festival music.
According to a Daily Thanthi report, the fire erupted around 4 pm near the canal, where garbage had been dumped. The flames spread quickly as the accumulated waste caught fire, sending thick smoke billowing into the air.
A youth identified as Hariharan (28), who was passing through the area, attempted to alert the Fire and Rescue Department using his mobile phone. However, he was unable to communicate clearly as loud film songs were being played through public address systems for the Mariamman temple festival in Avathipalayam.
He then rode his two-wheeler towards the Agraharam area in search of a quieter spot to make the call, but encountered similar noise due to a temple kumbabishekam event. Loudspeakers had reportedly been installed for nearly two kilometres up to the Sandhai Pettai area, continuing to play music at high volume.
After considerable difficulty, he finally managed to inform the Fire and Rescue Services. A fire tender later reached the spot and extinguished the blaze before it could spread further.
Following the incident, social activists and local residents reiterated calls for stricter regulation or a complete ban on high-volume horn loudspeakers during temple festivals, citing public safety and emergency communication concerns.