Want to visit a rock concert for free? Head to any of the Metro-3 construction sites!

It is definitely not the first time questions have been raised in regards to the exceeding levels of permissible noise and its exposure in many areas of the city. As per a recent study, noise levels near construction sites of the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 line hit 110 decibels (dB) — as loud as a live rock concert or the recurring sound of a car horn.

The study conducted by ‘Awaaz’ in Mahim, Cuffe Parade and Churchgate found that the noise from drilling machines at Churchgate and Mahim was between 106.1dB and 110dB. At Cuffe Parade, the levels reached 92.5 dB, which is as loud as a lawnmower. The anti-noise campaigner has been getting complaints from the residents living near the construction sites.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), noise can have adverse effects on health and continuous exposure to levels above 80dB could lead to a partial hearing loss. As per the noise pollution norms in Maharashtra, the maximum noise levels near the construction site should be limited to 75 dB, which is the safe limit.

The Awaaz report read that the drilling was within six feet of the residential buildings at Mahim. At Cuffe Parade, although a noise barrier was seen, the drilling continued beyond the barrier at about 15 feet from residential buildings. At Churchgate, residential buildings were within 10 feet of the drilling work.

Also Read: Mumbai Metro-3: First TBM Machine Starts Excavating In Nayanagar Shaft

After being exposed to noise levels above 100dB, Robin Jaisinghani, a resident of south Mumbai, filed a petition in the Bombay High Court in August 2017, against MMRC and the state government, asking for a compensation of Rs10,000 per day for each member of his family. In December 2017, the court formed a committee to look into the specific complaints at various areas in south Mumbai. On February 2, Jaisinghani submitted Awaaz’s noise report to the committee. Residents are finding it unbearable to live in these places as work goes on throughout the night. Agencies are not even considering measures for reducing noise. Jaisinghani also told that they used to carry out construction work beyond 10 pm.

The judges directed MMRC to install noise abatement measures at all construction sites and limit work hours between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM.