Frame noise rules for construction activities: HC tells BMC

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to consider framing noise regulations for residential and building construction activities.

A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice N M Jamdar was hearing a bunch of public interest litigations regarding strict implementation of noise pollution rules in silence zones across the city.

“We have personally noticed the decibel level is very high during such construction activities. The civic body should consider framing different noise regulations for construction activities,” the bench said.

Senior counsel S U Kamdar, appearing for the BMC, told the court that presently there is only a time limit imposed on construction activities and the issue of framing of regulations will have to be placed before the Improvement Committee of the civic body.

The bench also said it was considering to set up a committee comprising officials from different government departments and the civic body to look into the issue of noise pollution and whether or not permission can be given to an organiser to hold cultural events and what conditions should be imposed.

Following numerous applications filed before the court seeking permissions to hold cultural and political rallies in silence zones after the civic body and police deny permission, the court suggested for a committee to be formed which will consider such applications.

The court also said the authorities should try to strike a balance between implementation of norms and people’s sentiments regarding cultural and religious festivals.

After hearing the arguments of all parties involved, the court said it would pass an appropriate order later.

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