Mumbai noisier on non-working days?

Mumbai: Mumbai is noisier during night-time and on non-working days as well, especially in residential areas, as per the analysis done by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). The study is part of the noise mapping exercise for the 27 cities in Maharashtra carried out by the environmental institute after the direction by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) following high court order of 2017 regarding noise pollution. The reliance on private modes of transport could be a contributory factor. NEERI experts held that in such scenario, the use of public transport should be encouraged as many people are using private vehicles more during work off days that leads to noise.

MPCB officials stated that while many cities showed stark contrast between the noise levels on working and non-working days, Mumbai showed noise levels soaring during these days. “Unlike other cities, in some of the areas of Mumbai, the noise levels on non-working days were at par with noise levels during working days. Even in some of the areas, there is not much difference between the noise levels during day time and night time,” said Dr P. Anbalagan, Member Secretary, MPCB.  

Meanwhile, experts at NEERI stated that the noise levels at all the 55 locations studied in Mumbai were beyond the standard limits specified by CPCB. The locations were categorised as residential, industrial, commercial and silence zones. The analysis of noise levels was done by dividing the time period into day hours (6am-10pm) and night hours (10pm-6am), and working and non-working days.

“In residential areas like observed in Antop hill and Cumbala hill among others, Mumbaikars are more frequently noisier on non-working days than working days. During
holidays people tend to go out more by their private vehicles and they may come back later in the night.

The major reason for higher decibel levels is unnecessary honking.  It should be noted that in such scenarios, the use of public transport should be encouraged,” said Dr Ritesh Vijay, principal scientist, centre for strategic urban management, NEERI.

For industrial areas, 10 locations were studied where Charkop and Chakala industrial area recorded higher noise decibels.

All the seven silence zones that were considered for the mapping had noise levels beyond the prescribed limits. “Mumbai is always active. While vehicular noise is one of the major factor, commercial noise coupled with the noise from air conditioners and compressors add to the noise at the base level,” added Dr Anbalagan.