DNA Volume Kam Kar: It’s cool, BMC can’t hear the bang

Mumbai figures on noise pollution in the civic body’s annual environment report are a far cry from the results of a four-year survey conducted by Jai Hind College researchers, a fact that has not gone unnoticed.

A survey conducted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2010, the findings of which were released this August , claims that noise levels in industrial areas fall between 64 decibels (at night) and 74 decibels (during the day).

These figures are actually lower than the standard norms framed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), namely 75dB during the day and 70dB at night.

The industrial areas where noise levels have allegedly been falling consistently over the last few years include Byculla, Lalbaug, Worli, Andheri, Vikhroli, Ghatkopar, Bhandup and Mulund (on LBS Road).

The survey also states that noise levels in residential and commercial areas have slightly risen. While noise levels due to vehicular activity has touched 65dB (55dB is the CPCB’s permissible level), aircraft noise has shot up to 85dB from the permissible 65dB.