Mumbai: After noise levels at three Metro 3 construction sites were found to be above permissible levels, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) will take a series of additional steps to mitigate noise pollution. At a meeting on Thursday, Managing Director Ashwini Bhide and senior officials of the MMRC provided details of the measures they had taken to control noise to the Principal Secretary (Transport & Port) Manoj Saunik. and the founder of Awaaz Foundation, Sumaira Abdulali.
Explaining that piling activity was generating high noise levels, Ms. Bhide said, “Excavation activities will reach 10m to 12m deep by December 2018, thereby significantly reducing noise levels. With completion of decking and piling at most of the sites, we believe the noise level should go down.”
Ms. Abdulali said that she had brought to the attention of the Bombay High Court complaints that Awaaz Foundation had received from residents of Cuffe Parade, Churchgate and Mahim about noise pollution from Metro 3 construction activity. The HC directed Ms. Abdulali and local police officials to visit the sites. On these visits to the three sites, twice each, in April and May, noise levels were found to be higher than 90 decibels; permissible noise levels in residential areas during the day is 65dB.
Ms. Abdulali said she had been invited by MMRC to visit sites with them and observe the noise-reduction measures that the company has taken and those which they propose to take, which include installing noise barriers, setting up citizens’ grievance mechanisms, and training construction managers and staff. She said that a grievance redressal system allowing affected persons to voice concerns when noise levels get too high is crucial. “I will be monitoring the actions taken to reduce noise levels,” she said, adding that Awaaz invited people to keep it informed of noise pollution at Metro construction sites.
