Sumaira Abdulali has put forth some suggestions to make Mumbai's decibel levels lower than what it currently is
Anti noise pollution activist Sumaira Abdulali on Tuesday wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking stricter enforcement of laws and the need for a detailed plan to control noise pollution in the city from traffic and construction.
Adulali’s letter shares information comparing the noise pollution levels of London and Mumbai. The convenor of Awaaz Foundation highlighted that the noise pollution levels in London were controlled by regulating timings of noisy work, and by ensuring that essential services do not add to the decibel levels.
“There are laws that govern timing and locations of recreational events that do not permit several activities in designated areas. Despite this, London is considered a noisy city, and its residents complain about the adverse affects of noise pollution,” she wrote, stating that Mumbai was one of the noisiest cities in the world, and that all these noise sources could be reduced by effective political and administrative will, which would safeguard the health of crores of Mumbai residents.
Abdulali, on her recent trip to London, carried out an elaborate noise mapping in the city and noted that that despite being situated on the main roads, the city’s residential areas were quiet. “While the noise levels inside a residence with ordinary single glass measured just 35dB during daytime, a residence in Mumbai near main road measured between 51dB to 90dB in various seasons and depending on the sources of noise, including honking, loudspeakers in their vicinity,” she said.
Even though the noise from construction equipment was similar in London and Mumbai, with a maximum decibel level of 101.4dB the timings when work is permitted are strictly regulated in London. Abdulali also observed that there were noise barriers around the London sites, while no such barriers existed in Mumbai.
“It is recommended that the timings of construction need to be restricted and an action plan be formulated. Construction work is only going to increase in the coming time and this should not only be limited to residential or commercial projects, but also infrastructure projects,” she said.
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