BENGALURU: Residents of a gated community on Gottigere Lake Road in south Bengaluru are expressing their outrage over the disruptions caused by the construction of a new residential project nearby. They reference a 2012 Karnataka High Court ruling that bans noisy construction work after 6 PM, claiming their repeated complaints have been disregarded.
“Construction has persisted for nearly six months. Our apartment complex has four blocks, and Block D suffers the most. Many senior citizens live here, yet no action has been taken by the authorities despite our continuous complaints,” stated Srinath, a resident.
In June, residents representing 204 families lodged a formal complaint at the Hulimavu police station. However, six months later, drilling and construction noise continues, often exceeding permissible hours. Another resident remarked, “Whenever we file a complaint, they halt work temporarily, but it resumes shortly after.”
Harish Mavoori, a resident of D Block near the construction site, added, “The noise causes considerable stress, disrupts our sleep, and negatively impacts residents’ health. Frequently, work continues past 10 PM and begins early in the morning.”
In 2012, the Karnataka High Court ordered that noisy construction activities can only occur between 8 AM and 6 PM, provided there are no objections. Work that is non-disruptive can happen between 6 PM and 10 PM, but nothing is allowed after 10 PM.
An assistant executive engineer from the South City Corporation stated, “We have advised them to cease construction after 10 PM and not to start early in the morning. I plan to secure a letter of undertaking from them.”
Law enforcement appears powerless, acknowledging their limited ability to interfere as this is a civil issue.
Civic activist Vinod Jacob commented that such incidents are not unusual in suburban areas. “Suburbs frequently experience violations. The court order must be enforced rigorously, with accountability for transgressions.”
