Sleepless in noisy city: Late-night construction activities irk citizens | Nagpur News

Nagpur: Cranes are reshaping skylines and infrastructure projects are pushing to meet deadlines, but amid the development boom a growing number of citizens feel they are being deprived of good sleep due to construction activities in the night. From Mahal and Nandanvan to Godhni, Besa-Pipla and Hingna, many citizens say works like drilling, excavation, movement of heavy vehicles and loading-unloading material are generating noise well past midnight. Mahal resident Kishor Tekade said, “Construction-related activities continue almost every night for private projects, govt works and PPP projects. But there should be time limits for carrying out these works.”In Godhni, residents alleged that apart from late-night construction, labourers engaged at some sites often create disturbances after work hours. “Sometimes they consume alcohol, play loud music and get involved in arguments among themselves late at night. Residents have to often intervene,” said Akshay Chauhan, a resident.Old Nandanvan resident Jeevan Thakre alleged that construction work near his home often continues until 1am or 2am. “The sound of cement mixers, JCB machines and construction vehicles disturbs sleep for residents, especially senior citizens and children,” he said.In its 2016 order prohibiting construction and renovation activities between 8pm and 8am, the Bombay high court order had observed that night-time construction noise infringes upon residents’ right to sleep. The court had directed authorities to ensure compliance with the restriction.Some of the residents of rapidly growing localities such as Besa-Pipla said they are not opposed to development but want authorities to ensure that construction activities adhere to prescribed timings and noise norms. “Development should not come at the cost of residents’ health and peace,” said a Besa resident.A senior Maharashtra Pollution Control Board official told TOI, “Noise pollution norms prescribe permissible ambient noise levels, and during night hours the limit in residential areas is generally 45 decibels. MPCB’s role is primarily regulatory and advisory in nature. Enforcement and action on complaints related to ongoing construction activities and noise violations are generally undertaken by local civic body and police.“Municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar appealed to citizens facing disturbance due to late-night construction activities to lodge complaints through Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s grievance portal. “As of now, we have not received any specific complaints. However, if residents report violations, the complaints will be examined and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations,” he said.