Mumbai, India (CU)_ According to Mumbai police commissioner Sanjay Pandey’s statement on Tuesday, bonds would be collected from builders to guarantee that noise pollution does not exceed stipulated limits and hours at city-owned building sites.
At a discussion organized by the Mumbai Press Club, he revealed that based on the responses he has received, Mumbai citizens view noise pollution as a severe issue. Accordingly, Pandey said that police would seek pledges of good behavior under the Code of Criminal Procedure from builders to guarantee that noise levels at building sites do not exceed 65 decibels and do not extend beyond authorized hours. Pandey gave his maiden news conference following his appointment as the city’s top cop last month.
According to Pandey, when he released his contact information on social media and asked for opinions on how to enhance policing, he expected to hear about crime and the threat posed by gangsters, but to his surprise, he learned that people were more concerned about noise pollution.
Pandey added that he also met with representatives of the construction industry trade groups CREDAI-MCHI. According to the commissioner, a builder in suburban Matunga was recently prosecuted under the Mumbai Police Act for conducting building operations till late night at 1 am.
Pandey estimated that the value of such a bond could cost millions of rupees. He said, “There is a section under the CrPC, which says you have to furnish a bond (under certain circumstances) and you have to furnish it so that you will not do it again”. Pandey added, “In case you break the bond, you will probably be behind the bars or pay that much money”.
The commissioner continued, “I am not threatening anybody, but I am saying if you have been given time, a decibel level (it should be followed)…The decibel level is 65 for builders”. He added, “From March 31, builders must install sound cutters, which will reduce noise”.
