Bombay High Court Orders BMC to Curb Construction Noise

The Bombay High Court ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to increase monitoring of noise pollution at construction sites across Mumbai. Presiding Chief Justice Mahesh C Tripathi and Justice Avait Sethna ruled that enforcing noise limits is a statutory duty rather than an act of charity.

To ensure compliance, the court directed the BMC to divide the city into monitoring zones with designated officers. Construction projects are now prohibited from proceeding without a formal undertaking from developers pledging to follow prescribed noise limits.

The court clarified that it is not seeking to halt redevelopment activity, but will review the implementation of these measures every third week. The bench also cautioned civic officials against using their enforcement powers to harass or blackmail builders.