HC seeks workable solution to reduce Metro-3 noise level

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Friday said that the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) and residents who were complaining of noise pollution at Cuffe Parade should decide on a workable solution to minimise noise during construction of the metro 3 there.

The court observed that the metro project would be beneficial for lakhs of Mumbaikars. Further, the court directed MMRCL to immediately set up a grievance redressal mechanism, where people could lodge complaints and remedial measures could be undertaken.

A division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Riyaz Chagla was hearing an application by the MMRCL for carrying out construction work at night, which was opposed by resident Robin Jaisinghani. On Friday, the court refused to permit the MMRCL to carry out metro 3 construction work during the night till August 10, by when the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) would submit its report on ambient noise levels at Cuffe Parade in south Mumbai.

“This report needs to be looked into... till that time, the present order prohibiting any night time construction work will have to continue,” the court said.

The court noted, “Some balancing act is required to be maintained so that the larger public interest does not suffer and the right of an individual guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India to live in a pollution-free environment and noise pollution rules are also protected.”

“Some workable solution needs to be arrived at so that the work progresses in a smooth manner. We hope and trust that the MMRCL and the contractor (Larsen and Toubro) take efforts to ensure that minimum nuisance is caused, at least during night time,” said Justice Oka. The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on August 10.

The 33-km metro line III, a part of the rapid transport system, will connect the business district of Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai to SEEPZ economic zone in the city's North-Central suburbs via Bandra.