No soundproofing done, say residents

MUMBAI: A week after HT reported that the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) directed its contractor to install sound-proof windows at two houses near the Metro 3 construction yard at Marol, the residents said the work has still not been done.

In January, members of citizens’ group Watchdog Foundation, who also live near the Metro 3 construction site, filed a criminal complaint against MMRCL officers and the contractor at the metropolitan magistrate court of Andheri for flouting noise rules in a residential area. The next hearing of the case is scheduled on February 22.

“It has been over a week since MMRCL directed its contractor to maintain decibel (db) levels at the site by installing sound-proof windows and noise barriers. However, nothing has been done yet with construction going on beyond the permissible time frame of 10pm,” said Nicholas Almeida, trustee, Watchdog Foundation. “We will take the matter to court now .”

HT had reported on February 14 that MMRCL had directed its contractor to implement the noise abatement procedure.

MMRCL officials said then that construction had been minimised at night and added that the contractor will take a call regarding other noise abatement measures after the hearing slated on Wednesday. “Directives to control noise have been issued from our end, but the matter is in court, the contractor may be waiting for its outcome. Any activity done to settle the matter out of court may not help the proceedings on Wednesday. Once the order is dictated, the contractor will act accordingly,” said R Ramana executive director (planning MMRCL. “As of now there is no stop work notice from our side or the court so the contractor can work within the permissible time frame and noise limits.”

The matter is sub judice so the contractor may be waiting.