Where are the promised sound-proof windows? Residents ask Metro 3 contractor
In January, members of citizens’ group Watchdog Foundation, who also live near the Metro 3 construction site, filed a criminal complaint against MMRCL officers and the contractor at the metropolitan magistrate court of Andheri for flouting noise rules in a residential area.
A week after HT reported that the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) directed its contractor to install sound-proof windows at two houses near the Metro 3 construction yard at Marol, the residents said the work has still not been done.
In January, members of citizens’ group Watchdog Foundation, who also live near the Metro 3 construction site, filed a criminal complaint against MMRCL officers and the contractor at the metropolitan magistrate court of Andheri for flouting noise rules in a residential area. The next hearing of the case is scheduled on February 22.
“It has been over a week since MMRCL directed its contractor to maintain decibel (dB) levels at the site by installing sound-proof windows and noise barriers. However, nothing has been done yet with construction going on beyond the permissible time frame of 10pm,” said Nicholas Almeida, trustee, Watchdog Foundation. “We will take the matter to court now and make sure that residents get sound sleep.”
HT reported on February 14 that MMRCL had directed its contractor to implement the noise abatement procedure through a three-step process — install sound proofing windows at two homes located close to the Marol construction site, install noise barriers along the periphery of the site and close to residential areas and minimise construction between 10pm and 6am.
MMRCL officials said then construction had been minimised at night and added that the contractor will take a call regarding other noise abatement measures after the hearing slated on Wednesday. “While directives to control noise have been issued from our end, since the matter is in court, the contractor may be waiting for the court outcome. Any activity done to settle the matter out of court may not help the proceedings on Wednesday. Once the order is dictated, the contractor will act accordingly,” said R Ramana, executive director (planning) MMRCL. “As of now there is no stop work notice from our side nor from the court so the contractor is allowed to work within the permissible time frame and noise limits.”
Also read: Sound-proof windows and barriers to cut Metro noise In Mumbai