Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding noise and air pollution at Worli Sea Face at Bandra Worli Sea Link, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 13/03/2019
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Dileep B. Nevatia & Others Vs Union of India & Others dated 13/03/2019. This application seeks direction to ensure that air pollution and noise level is within the permissible limit at Worli Sea Face and Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL), Mumbai.
NGT has been appraised of a report by MSRDC titled “Noise Mapping at Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road (Worli Sea face Road), Mumbai” in June, 2017 which made some recommendations. Some of them are the following:
- Modification of signal timings based on optimum cycle time reduces unnecessary delays and idling time which reduces air pollution levels. This will also help in reducing noise pollution due to honking when there is long queue of vehicles at traffic junctions.
- Create awareness to mass for minimizing honking at traffic signals and roads through hoardings/ Signboards so that public would practice minimum honking at traffic junctions.
- Residential colonies may be constructed with such an architectural design with a view to reduce the level of noise reverberation. Screens, insulation of dwellings and use of thicker glass in the adjacent buildings also helps in reducing the noise levels. Noise absorbing materials such as acoustic tile, carpets and drapes placed on wall surfaces reduces the noise level which can be part of design of street furniture.
NGT directs the recommendations to be acted upon by the Police Department, the Transport Department, the Pollution Control Board as well as the MSRDC.