Mumbai: In a bid to curb noise pollution levels, the state has undertaken various measures, which would also create awareness at the grass root level. The state is undertaking a three-pronged process including training of officers, vehicle users as well as school students, displaying real time noise levels in different areas of the city by displaying boards and carrying out noise mapping. Noise mapping will be conducted in 27 cities in the state and a database of vehicles that are regularly guilty of noise pollution will be created. The detailed plan was submitted by the secretary, home department to the court earlier this week.

According to the affidavit filed by the state, a copy of which is with The Asian Age, the state had taken cognisance of the Bombay HC directives and prepared a plan to curb noise pollution not only during festivals but also to keep a tab on pollution caused by vehicular traffic daily.

The state said that it had identified 27 cities in the state with high noise levels and conducted noise mapping in 22 cities. The state was in the process of setting up noise monitoring devices and the locations had been identified; the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) along with local municipal corporations would fina-lise the spots. Apart from noise monitoring devices, real time display boards would be put up at the locations. These display boards would give regular updates of vehicular noise pollutions round the clock.

Secondly, the affidavit said that the state was in the process of creating awareness about noise pollution among officers and school children.

The state had already informed the education department about it and would be issuing further instructions in this regard to municipal and other schools for conducting programmes highlighting the ill-effects of noise pollution.

Lastly, the state has decided to maintain a database of vehicles that are known to flout noise pollution levels regularly. The state said that it was in the process of getting the Road Safety Act passed and awaiting the presidential assent.  

The petitioners say that while the initiatives are promising their proper implementation would ac-tually yeild some good against noise pollution.

NOISIEST SPOTS IN THE CITY

• Below J J Flyover near J J Hospital:  105.8 db
• Near the Crawford Market:  101 db
• Outside Dadar station:  101.3 db
• Below Sakinaka Metro station: 96.9 db
• Sion Circle: 97.4 db
• Opposite high court  (Flora Fountain): 97.1 db