Most of city wilts under heavy noise pollution

High-pitch protests by groups of Mumbai's citizens and activists have clearly landed in deaf ears. A shocking data, recorded by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for 2016-17, reveals that most areas in the city wilt under heavy noise ranging from 70 – 80 decibels, clearly breaching the norms set by the Ministry Of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC).

According to the report, more than 50% area of the city witness noise levels ranging between 80 and 90 dB. BMC does the noise level mapping at1,200 locations across 24 civic wards, which include categories like courts, hospitals, schools, traffic junctions, industrial areas, religious places, railway stations, malls and tourists spots.

BMC, which recently completed its Environment Status Report of 2016-17, states only 0.15% and 0.10% locations come in the normal range of noise during working and non-working days.

Also, only 2.19 percent and 1.73 percent of locations witness normal noise levels during working and non-working nights.

As per norms during the daytime, the noise levels in a residential area should not exceed 55 dB and 65 dB in a commercial area. During the night, 45 dB is the maximum noise level in a residential area, 55 dB is the noise level at a commercial area.

Sumaira Abdulali, Conveyer of Awaaz Foundation, said, "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."

The data will be presented in the next general body meeting of the BMC.