Noise levels at metro sites exceed 100 dB, says NGO

Mumbai: Noise levels from construction work at Metro-3 sites have reached up to 100 decibels, equivalent to that of a power lawn mower, said non-profit organisation Awaaz Foundation on Saturday. 

The NGO recorded the readings over the past few days after complaints were received from residents. It also contended that drilling work was being carried out within 10 feet from residential buildings at various sites such as Mahim, Cuffe Parade and Churchgate, which had led to continuous exposure to high noise levels by residents. 

When Awaaz Foundation reached the site of metro construction in Mahim (east), it learned that the noise levels there were as high as 106.1 dB. “The drilling work was being done within six feet of residential buildings. When world-class infrastructure has been announced for the city, why are the authorities concerned not providing world-class facilities for the construction work as well? Continuous noise levels, that are this high, could impede the health of senior citizens,” said Sumaira Abdulali, Founder of Awaaz Foundation.

Churchgate saw noise levels as high as 110 dB due to drilling activities while Cuffe Parade recorded 92.5 dB despite the noise barriers. “There are metallic sheets installed in the area in the name of noise barriers. 

How can they curb noise levels around high-rise residential buildings? In fact, except for Cuffe Parade, there have been no noise barriers at other sites. There are several modern technologies used in other countries like noise mufflers and silencers at construction sites,” said Ms Abdulali. 

Meanwhile, the MMRC refused to comment on the matter.

The high court-appointed committee had recently directed the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) to come up with a solution to the increasing noise levels from the work. The petitioner, Robin Jaisinghani, had contended that at several instances, metro construction work was being carried out even beyond the high court deadline of 10 pm.