Residents of Bandra, Mumbai’s Pali Hill, an affluent suburb, have put new rules into place to control redevelopment projects and lessen disturbances caused by construction. To conclude these measures, the Pali Hill homeowners’ Association (PHRA) called a meeting on Sunday that was attended by about 100 homeowners and contractors.
Among the key provisions, construction activities will now be restricted to between 7am and 7pm, a reduction from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) permitted 6am to 10pm timeframe. Developers will also be required to implement pollution control measures, such as installing air purifiers and noise barriers, in accordance with the latest BMC guidelines.
To combat dust pollution, water cannons must be used during demolition work, ensuring that airborne particles are effectively controlled. Additionally, in an effort to tackle traffic congestion, developers must coordinate with residents to schedule the movement of heavy vehicles and machinery. Designated parking areas will be allocated to prevent vehicles from blocking local roads. Furthermore, trucks transporting construction materials must have their loads covered and undergo tyre washing before entering the locality to maintain cleanliness.
To oversee compliance with these new guidelines, the PHRA has formed a five-member sub-committee that will monitor ten ongoing redevelopment projects in the area, including six along Dilip Kumar Lane. PHRA secretary Madhu Poplai highlighted that while redevelopment is inevitable, it should not come at the cost of residents’ comfort and well-being. The association aims to work collaboratively with developers to ensure that these regulations are effectively enforced. This initiative underscores the residents’ proactive approach to balancing urban development with maintaining their neighbourhood’s quality of life.
Source: Hindustan Times
