Mumbai: The Bombay High Court said on Monday that “everyone needs to change their mindset” about the noise and nuisance caused by work on the Metro 3 corridor.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice M.S. Sonak was hearing a petition filed by advocate Robin Jaisinghani against the noise caused due to the construction activity and said that it exceeds safe limits under noise rules. He also sought compensation of ₹10,000 each per day for his wife, his children and himself for the hardship caused to them.
The plea said, “There are no fixed hours during which construction activity is carried out. Sometimes, construction activity is carried out till midnight and sometimes even later till the early hours of the morning, making it impossible to carry out any normal activity.”
The court said both citizens and authorities need to change their attitudes.
“The Metro project is in public interest ... at the same time how much the authorities can reduce the inconvenience and problems caused to public because of the construction work is also important. Everyone needs to change their mindset ... everyone needs to come out of their respective attitudes and perceptions,” Chief Justice Chellur said.
She posted the matter to be heard on November 2.
On August 11, while hearing the same plea, the court had directed Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) not to carry out any construction or ancillary work related to the Metro from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
On Monday, Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni, appearing for the MMRCL, told the court that the corporation had drafted a proposal to ensure that the work is finished expeditiously and inconvenience is reduced. The MMRCL will soon meet Mr. Jaisinghani and advocate Zal Andhyarujina, appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court in the matter, to discuss the proposal, he said.
Second petition
Hearing another petition filed by Mr. Jaisinghani, raising concerns of fire hazards due to the Metro project work in Cuffe Parade, the bench directed fire brigade officials to inspect the buildings concerned and submit a report by November 2.
Mr. Jaisinghani has said that in the event of a fire in the buildings near the site, barricades put up for the construction work would make it difficult for fire engines to enter the premises.
Aarey case
Meanwhile, the court posted a petition challenging the construction of the Metro rail car shed in Aarey Colony for hearing on November 6. The petition says Aarey Colony is an eco-sensitive zone and no construction should be carried out there.
— With PTI inputs