Developers will not be given permission to carry on piling work by hammering, which results in high decibels and vibrations, within a 50-metre radius of residential and commercial zones. These clauses will now be a part of the Intention Of Disapproval (IOD) which needs to be followed before the crucial Commencement Certificate is given to a builder.

Builders will also have to give an undertaking that they will follow the pollution norms related to air, water and noise during all construction activity, failing which the commencement certificate will not be given. “We are including the noise pollution clause in the Intention Of Disapproval,” said Additional Commissioner R A Rajeev.

Rajeev pointed out that till now there was no mechanism for the civic administration to act against builders on complaints about noise pollution or any other environment related aspect during construction activities. “But since the pollution clause will now be a part of the IOD, the Building Proposal Department will be empowered to take action,” he added.

Accordingly, the BMC has prepared a list of ‘Environmental conditions to be complied by developers during private construction’, a copy of which is with Mumbai Newsline. Violation of these rules may result in a ‘stop work’ notice or legal action by the civic authorities.

Deputy Chief Engineer (Environment) Suresh Khandare said that the rules specify, “Developer will be required to, hold valid water/ air consent and a letter of authorisation for disposal of hazardous waste from the MPCB, ensure that the construction activity shall not cause nuisance due to smoke, heat, noise, vibration, particulate matters, dust, waste water, odour to surrounding area inhabitants.”

Pressure piling by the hammering method will also not be permissible in a 50-metre radius of residential and commercial areas and developers will, instead, have to opt for bored piling which reduces the noise vibrations.

If pressure piling is a must for a project, then a certificate from a structural engineer will be required explaining the reasons for its use.

An ambient air, waste water and noise level survey report will be required to be submitted to the Building Proposal Department every month.

Developers will also have to ensure proper disposal of cement slurry, set up chimneys on diesel generating sets, keep noise under control, and ensure segregation of solid waste and water spraying in a controlled manner.