With redevelopment activity accelerating across Mumbai, Bandra East MLA Varun Sardesai has urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to prohibit construction work on Sundays and public holidays, citing growing concerns over noise pollution, dust and the impact on residents’ quality of life.
In a recent letter to BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Sardesai highlighted the increasing number of complaints from citizens, particularly in Bandra East, where redevelopment and construction activities have intensified. According to him, the demand is not opposed to development but seeks a more balanced and citizen-friendly approach to urban growth.
Mumbai currently has over 910 redevelopment projects and more than 3,000 active construction sites. Sardesai noted that with redevelopment taking place across large parts of the city, many residents are exposed to continuous construction-related disturbances with little opportunity for respite.
“It is not a personal trigger but with half the city getting redeveloped, an entire generation is growing up with constant construction around them with no respite for sleep, siestas or afternoon naps,” he pointed out.
He also referred to the growing prevalence of deep-basement construction, which often involves extensive rock-cutting and drilling work, generating significant noise and vibrations in surrounding neighbourhoods.
“No wonder Mumbaikars are rushing out of the city during weekends to escape the noise here,” said Sardesai. “A Sunday or holiday break will be beneficial for all.”
Resident groups across the city have largely welcomed the proposal. Several associations have complained of prolonged noise and dust pollution from nearby construction sites, with some residents claiming that work often extends beyond permissible hours.
“Sometimes the construction activity goes on till 4 am,” he said. “Residents from 40 to 50 buildings in the neighbourhood have been suffering this since November 2025 but we have got no relief despite calling the police or tweeting about it. The construction continues relentlessly and any break would provide much relief.”
Medical professionals and citizen activists have also raised concerns about the impact of constant construction noise on physical and mental well-being.
“The constant noise and banging leads to large-scale health issues such as headaches, anxiety, depression and insomnia,” she said. “Drectly or indirectly, all of us are affected. A construction ban on holidays would prove to be a helpful breather for residents and help them recharge.”
Noise activist Sumaira Abdulali pointed out that effective sound-mitigation measures are widely used internationally but are often not implemented locally.
“My family would look forward to days when construction paused to be able to keep our windows open and hear one another,” she said.
While the BMC stated that existing regulations already govern construction timings and noise levels, officials clarified that there is currently no proposal to ban construction activity on holidays. Developers, meanwhile, have cautioned that such restrictions could delay redevelopment projects, increase costs and impact housing delivery timelines. Industry representatives have instead suggested a balanced approach, where high-noise activities could be limited while essential construction work continues.
Source: Hindustan Times
