The Bombay High Court has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai Police and other government authorities to conduct regular noise pollution inspections at construction sites across the city. The directions require developers to follow prescribed environmental standards and submit written assurances confirming compliance.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice MC Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna issued the instructions while hearing a petition filed by Ashok Pathare, a resident of Shreyas Apartment on Mogul Lane in Mahim West. The complaint concerned construction activities undertaken by Yashodhan Tower LLP on an adjoining plot.
The court clarified that inspections should not be restricted to the property mentioned in the petition. Authorities must monitor construction activities across different parts of Mumbai to prevent residents from being exposed to excessive noise.
Construction Noise Recorded Above 100 Decibels
According to the petition, demolition at the neighbouring site was completed in February 2026, while piling activities began on July 24. Police panchnama readings recorded noise levels exceeding 100 decibels on September 15.
Following the findings, the BMC issued a stop-work notice on September 22, which was subsequently withdrawn on October 1. Another stoppage notice was issued on October 30. The petitioner’s lawyer informed the court that construction had remained suspended since then.
The state government also informed the bench that police had served a show-cause notice on the developer, while the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had issued a caution notice.
Developers Must Submit Compliance Affidavits
The court maintained that issuing notices alone would not resolve the problem. Developers must submit affidavits assuring compliance with noise and air pollution regulations before being permitted to continue construction.
The bench clarified that its order did not impose a citywide construction ban. However, work must stop wherever noise levels exceed permissible limits.
Authorities Face Regular Compliance Reviews
The High Court directed civic and government officials to conduct inspections across different zones and warned that accountability would follow if violations continued.
A compliance review will be undertaken every three weeks to assess implementation of the directions.
During the hearing, senior advocate Anil Sakhare, representing the developer, informed the court that the project was being undertaken through self-redevelopment. He also pointed out that 14 other construction projects were underway within 200 metres of the site.
The directions place greater responsibility on developers and civic authorities to ensure that Mumbai’s ongoing construction and redevelopment activities do not compromise residents’ health and well-being.
Source: The Realty Today
