Cops to check Metro decibel levels

The nuisance caused by drilling work for Metro III lines across Mumbai was again highlighted in the Bombay High Court on Wednesday. The court took cognizance of complaints and accordingly directed police officers to visit construction sites and check if Metro III work is being carried out in conformity with the Noise Pollution Rules.

The division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Riyaz Chagla has accordingly directed senior police inspectors of Churchgate, Cuffe Parade and Mahim police stations to visit the construction sites. The police officers will record the noise at these sites.

The judges issued the directions after taking cognizance of the complaint of activist Sumaira Abdulali, who apprised the court of noise pollution caused by Metro III work. She told the judges that noise decibel levels at three spots – Churchgate, Cuffe Parade and Mahim -- were the highest. She claimed that the work is on without adhering to Noise Pollution Rules.

“Let the police officers file an affidavit after recording the noise decibel levels at the sites in their jurisdiction,” Justice Oka said while posting the matter for further hearing on April 25.

Meanwhile, the government has filed an affidavit stating that it has decided to issue a circular to all officers and sensitise them of security and safety concerns of citizens, who lodge complaints

about violation of Noise Pollution Rules. The affidavit was filed pursuant to orders of the bench in a previous hearing. The judges accordingly asked the government to ensure that the circular is issued at the earliest. The judges also reiterated that it is the obligation of the government to ensure that the identity of the complainants is kept confidential.