Builders turn a deaf ear to Mumbai CP Sanjay Pandey's sound plea

Construction work going on at Bandra East. Police chief Sanjay Pandey had asked construction sites to install sound barriers to reduce noise pollution. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Even as weeks have passed since the deadline of March 31 set by Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey to install sound cutters and barriers at construction sites, many sites still don't have any. A senior civic official on condition of anonymity said, "It is mandatory to put up iron sheets around construction work which can help reduce noise as well as dust." However, when mid-day spoke to builders, some of them argued that it was not mandatory to install these barriers. A few builders, off the record, mentioned that since this isn't a mandate by the BMC, they haven't installed the sound barriers.

As per the rules, construction work can take place till 10 pm. File pic

The official said, "According to the norms, construction work can carry on till 10 pm." Installing sound barriers, some builders said, would also result in an increase in the price of the houses for buyers as the cost of the installation of the barriers would be included in the final cost of the flat. Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, vice-chairman of NAREDCO and MD of Hiranandani Group, said, "Construction sites maintain a balance so that sound pollution remains in control." He also added that sound barriers are useful in some circumstances and in such scenarios, they do get utilised.

In case of high-rise buildings, installing sound barriers would not be the most feasible approach as they could be a hindrance while constructing a new floor. Hiranandani pointed out that, "It is not the case that all ongoing construction sites cause sound pollution which requires sound barriers. Sometimes alternatives are also put to good use."

Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, vice-chairman of NAREDCO and MD of Hiranandani Group

Pandey in his announcement had said, "From March 31, builders must install sound cutters, which will reduce noise." Failing this, contractors will face action. Hiranandani appreciated the CP's attention to such issues such as curbing noise pollution and said he hopes that the organised sector follows the norms and rules the right way. "Responsible real estate developers follow norms and guidelines which ensure compliance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000," said Hiranandani. While mid-day's attempts to reach Pandey did not yield result, we contacted DCP Deepak Sakore who holds additional charge of operations. He directed us to the police chief, who once again did not answer calls or messages.

10 PM
Time till when construction work can go on