Pune: MPCB to Install 7 Real-time Noise Monitoring Stations in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to Address Noise Pollution

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has announced the deployment of seven real-time noise monitoring stations across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, stepping up efforts to combat noise pollution. This initiative is a part of Phase II of the National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN), aiming to provide continuous monitoring of noise levels in these areas.

Four of these monitoring stations will be strategically placed in Pune at key locations including Karve Road, near Katraj Dairy, in the Hadapsar Industrial Area near Honeywell Industries, and at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). The remaining three stations will be established in Pimpri Chinchwad near Jagtap Dairy in Pimple Nilakh, Dange Chowk, and the Rose Garden near Bhosari.

This expansion follows the successful installation of noise monitoring stations in Mumbai, marking Phase I of the NANMN. The locations for the new stations were selected after extensive discussions with the Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), taking into consideration the classification of residential, commercial, industrial, and silence zones according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms.

The real-time monitoring stations, varying in height from 4 to 10 meters, will operate 24 hours a day, providing peak noise level data for day and night periods. The data, collected with a one-second sampling period, will be transmitted automatically to CPCB’s central receiving stations for monthly and yearly reviews. This will aid in assessing the pollution status and facilitating necessary actions to mitigate noise pollution.

MPCB officials have completed the preliminary steps of marking the locations and acquiring no-objection certificates (NOCs) from landowners. The board is now set for the final review before execution begins. The initiative aims not only to monitor but also to act upon the data collected by advising industries on reducing noise levels through the use of acoustics and implementing fines for unnecessary honking in traffic-heavy areas.

Residents of the areas near the future stations have expressed optimism about the project. In Pune, concerns about traffic congestion, honking, and continuous Metro construction have significantly affected the quality of life, leading to sleep disturbances. Meanwhile, Pimpri Chinchwad residents have highlighted areas with severe noise pollution issues, such as Punawale and Tathawade, suggesting that these should be prioritized for future monitoring.

The MPCB’s commitment to expanding the noise monitoring network based on the results and community feedback underscores its dedication to improving the urban living environment by addressing noise pollution effectively.