Reduce noise near Delhi airport, orders court

The Delhi High Court Wednesday asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to take steps to check noise pollution near the airport that is affecting people at a hospital and a residential area nearby.
A division bench of Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw said: “Some immediate measures should be taken so that residents should not suffer.”

Additional Solicitor General A.S.Chandiok said: “We are ready with the long and short-term steps that we are planning to take to control noise pollution in the airport vicinity.”

The court asked the additional solicitor general to file a detailed affidavit by March 3. It also directed the civil aviation department to study the scenario in other countries.

On the last date of hearing, the court had barred Delhi International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (DIAL) from using the runway at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport after a nearby hospital alleged that the noise created by landing of planes disturbs its patients.

The Indian Spinal Injuries Hospital had filed a petition, alleging that the noise created by landing aircraft, which fly at a low height of 200-300 feet, was disturbing patients.

“As a result of the thrust of the planes, patients constantly suffer from the immense noise pollution created by the planes…sleeplessness is (experienced by them) on a regular basis. Even the doctors performing surgery have complained,” said the hospital.

The hospital said the noise created by the planes was usually between the range of 75 decibel to 94 decibel and was “clearly beyond the stipulated standards laid down under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000″.

The court is also hearing a similar plea from residents of nearby Vasant Kunj locality, who have also complained of noise pollution.