KOLKATA: Residents of a neighborhood in south Kolkata have contacted the state pollution control board, requesting it to manage noise pollution from construction activities, similar to its successful efforts in controlling dust pollution.
Among the proposed solutions is the installation of sound suppression barriers at construction sites.
In a letter addressed to PCB chairman Kalyan Rudra, a representative of the Hindustan Park residents’ association highlighted that the incessant high-decibel noise from local construction sites is overwhelming.
Chartered Accountant Nina Ghosh from Hindustan Park mentioned that the use of jackhammers and the hammering of piling sheets create severe noise pollution from early morning to late evening.
“It feels like our homes have turned into construction sites. The noise seeps through the walls, making conversations difficult,” she shared.
In the letter, Pradeep Kakkar, President of the Eleven Hindustan Park Owners Association and founder of the environment action group People United for Better Living in Calcutta (PUBLIC), emphasized that the issue extends beyond Hindustan Park and affects multiple residential areas across the city, urging the pollution board to take action.
Kakkar noted the PCB’s successful measures to combat dust pollution—such as using dust suppressants, covering materials, and regular water spraying—and recommended similar strategies to curb noise pollution.
While acknowledging that construction activities like grinding, cutting, and drilling inherently generate high-decibel noise that exceeds permitted levels in residential areas, he advocated for implementing various methods to mitigate the noise and minimize disturbances to residents.
“Reasonable restrictions on construction timing during loud noise periods are essential. Sound mufflers can be employed around noisy machinery, and buffer shields can be erected around construction sites to contain the noise,” Kakkar explained. He asserted that this issue is pertinent not just for Hindustan Park residents, but also for those in other neighborhoods throughout Kolkata where old homes are continually demolished for new constructions.
PAC Chairman Kalyan Rudra acknowledged the constructive nature of the suggestions but mentioned that they require further research and development from an academic institution. “We have specific noise regulations for residential areas, and we enforce these guidelines, but it’s the responsibility of the civic body and police to uphold them. We have provided police with decibel meters to monitor infringements and take necessary actions. Transporting construction waste to recycling plants is already mandatory,” he noted.
Kakkar previously reached out to Municipal Commissioner Dhaval Jain, pointing out that despite properties in Hindustan Park and surrounding areas being heavily taxed under the Unit Area Assessment formula for better infrastructure, the lack of monitoring and enforcement of construction activities has rendered these areas nearly unlivable.
Noise Pollution Regulations
Area Categories and Noise Limits (dB(A) Leq):
– Silence Zone: 50 (day), 40 (night).
– Residential Area: 55 (day), 45 (night).
– Commercial Area: 65 (day), 55 (night).
– Industrial Area: 75 (day), 70 (night).
Suggestions for Reducing Construction Noise
– Implement mufflers around machines like jackhammers to reduce noise.
– Use sound barriers around construction sites to limit noise spread.
– Restrict construction activities to daytime, allowing for breaks in the afternoon to provide relief for residents.
– Regularly monitor noise levels with decibel meters and impose penalties for repeated violations.
