Mumbai, Sept 26: There have been several protests and campaigns running in Mumbai regarding rising noise pollution. However, the numbers released by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for 2016-17 revealed that the situation hasn’t improved yet. According to the BMC data, more than 50 percent area of Mumbai city witness noise levels ranging between 80 and 90 decibels, while only 2.19 percent and 1.73 percent of locations witness normal noise levels during working and non-working nights.
The BMC recently completed its Environment Status Report of 2016-17. According to DNA, the noise level of 1,200 locations across 24 civic wards, which include categories like courts, hospitals, schools, traffic junctions, industrial areas, religious places, railway stations, malls and tourists spots, were mapped by the BMC. The report finds that most areas Mumbai wilt under heavy noise ranging from 70 – 80 decibels, clearly breaching the norms set by the Ministry Of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC).
The noise levels in a residential area should not exceed 55 dB and 65 dB in a commercial area, according to rules. During the night, it should not go beyond 45 dB in a residential area and 55 dB at a commercial area. However, the BMC report revealed more than 50 percent areas in Mumbai choke under 70 – 80 decibels, which is way higher than the set norms. Only 0.15 percent and 0.10 percent locations come in the normal range of noise during working and non-working days stated the BMC report.
“According to World Health Organisation, if a person is exposed to noise level beyond 80 dB for over eight hours, they can suffer hearing loss, heart and other disorders. The noise levels recorded by BMC clearly states at how high-risk people are living in Mumbai,” Sumaira Abdulali, Conveyer of Awaaz Foundation told the daily. Officials will present the detailed report in the next general body meeting of the BMC.
