Kolkata: Citizens of a residential locality in south Kolkata have written to the state pollution control board, urging it to regulate noise pollution from construction activities, similar to how it successfully controlled construction dust pollution. Among the suggestions provided is the installation of sound suppression barriers at construction sites.
In a letter to the PCB chairman Kalyan Rudra, an office bearer of a residents' association at Hindustan Park, a residential neighbourhood near Gariahat that has acquired a commercial character over the past three decades, pointed out that constant high-decibel noise generated at construction sites in the locality is an assault on the senses.
Chartered accountant Nina Ghosh, who lives at Hindustan Park, said the use of jackhammers to cut through concrete or the hammering of piling sheets led to severe noise pollution from early morning till late in the evening. "It appears as though our homes have also become construction sites," she said.
In the letter, Pradeep Kakkar, president of Eleven Hindustan Park Owners' Association and founder of environment action group PUBLIC, said the issue was not only related to Hindustan Park but several other residential areas in the city and urged PCB to address the issue.
Citing the success that PCB achieved in tackling dust pollution by using dust suppressants, covering materials, and regular water spraying, Kakkar said the PCB should work out similar measures to stop noise pollution.
While acknowledging that construction activity involving grinding, cutting, polishing, and drilling requires heavy-duty/high-speed machines that produce high-decibel noise far in excess of the permissible limit for residential areas, he suggested using multiple measures to contain the noise and avoid disturbing residents.
"There can be reasonable restrictions on timings for construction activities that generate loud noise. Sound mufflers can be used around machines that generate loud noise to prevent the spread of noise," explained Kakkar. PCB chairman Kalyan Rudra, while terming the suggestions constructive, said it would require research and development by an academic institution or institute. "There are specific norms on noise in residential areas. We impose them, but it is for the civic body and police to enforce them. We have given police decibel meters to check infringements and take necessary action.