Letter to Commissioner, MMRDA Shri Ratnakar Gaikwad Noise mapping

​7th February 2010
Mr Ratnakar Gaikwad,
Metropolitan Commissioner,
MMRDA,
Mumbai.
 
Dear Mr Gaikwad,
 
Subject: Integration of Noise Parameters in new DC Plan
 
I am grateful for the various projects being undertaken by MMRDA recently to include noise data from infrastructure projects in their planning including the proposed noise barriers on flyovers.
 
I understand that the DC Plan for Mumbai is currently under revision. I request you to integrate noise, as an environmental concern, to  bring the Plan in line with and facilitate the discharge of constitutional duties assigned to ULBs under the 12th Schedule (Article 243W) introduced in the constitution vide 74th constitutional amendment act of 1992.
 
A Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Report "Evaluation of Environmental Status Reports of Cities in Maharashtra" dated June 2009 states:
 
“Urban forestry, protection of the environment and promotion of ecological aspects have been specifically mentioned in the 12th Schedule as a responsibility of municipal bodies. With this act in place, it is expected that management of urban environment at a local level would become more effective especially, if it were undertaken in a partnership mode with the private sectors and community groups.
According to the municipal legislations, the urban local bodies in Class I cities are required to publish an annual ESR which will indicate the status of environmental management in the city and identify the areas where mitigation measures are required to be considered. The ESRs are submitted to Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) and follow Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) guidelines for preparation. The objective of the ESRs is to survey, monitor the change of the Environmental Status and to take up an action plan for the proceeding year. This whole exercise is taken up with a view that it will benefit the ULB Officials, Central and State Government bodies, Governing bodies, legislative members, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), policy planners, and public for the measures to be taken up for environmental restoration and developmental activities.”
 
In view of the fact the MMRDA lays down the guidelines for preparation of ESR and action plans are based on this, it would be appropriate and I request the MMRDA to lay down parameters for noise control by zoning of noise making institutions, demarcating Silence Zones, control of nightclubs, etc in residential areas and various other planning parameters involving noise and integrating them into the DC Plan for Mumbai.
 
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
 
Sumaira Abdulali