Vibrations less than 1/4th of permissible limit: MMRC

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has claimed that the vibrations caused due to the metro work is less than the one-fourth of the permissible limit and hence are harmless. “People don’t have to worry. We are carrying out metro works safely,” said S.K. Gupta, director (projects), MMRC.  Also, all the heritage and weak buildings will be monitored online around the clock when considered necessary, said the MMRC.

“For online monitoring, we will place cameras at certain points and individual locations where there is no human access in case of weak and heritage buildings. A team of contractors inside the office will continuously monitor the impact of the work,” said Mr Gupta.

According to the MMRC, the agencies appointed by the contractors conduct detailed Building Condition Survey (BCS), the survey is then handed over to the designer who studies the strength of the building and assigns allowable impact limit categories. “Different buildings require different level of intervention, if some buildings need more attendance then some need more support systems which we provide,” added Mr Gupta.

Meanwhile, the MMRC consulted a third party committee regarding its working style and the committee recommended more stringent vibration levels.  

The MMRC also displayed about 12 types of monitoring instruments which are to be installed in buildings at different stages for various activities. J.N Petit institute, which moved the court, alleged that the vibrations are four times more than the permissible limit.

“We are using machines that will measure the exact vibration levels. Vibrations gauged through mobile apps can’t be that accurate,” said Mr Gupta. Further, the MMRC claimed that the citizens will get a relief from the loud noise of piling in next three to four months.

“Extreme noise is due to the piling work which will be completed by December or January. After that, no nuisance will be caused,” said Mr Gupta.