Construction disrupts locals’ peace

CV Raman Nagar residents report noise and dust pollution from construction defying regulations; developer denies violations

Residents of an apartment complex in CV Raman Nagar have raised concerns about blatant violations of night-time construction rules by a builder in the area. They are complaining about excessive noise and dust pollution caused by ongoing construction activities at Bagmane Tech Park, developed by Bagmane Developers Pvt Ltd.

However, the claims have been dismissed by Bagmane Developers Pvt Ltd. “Our security guard takes rounds during night-time and updates us with videos and pictures. There is no construction activity happening at the site post 10 pm,” said a representative of Bagmane Developers Pvt Ltd.

“We are again facing disturbances by the Bagmane construction. The building site, next to our apartment complex, is equipped with cranes.

Workers move construction materials using pulleys and cables after 10 pm, impacting our sleep,” said a resident.

Notably, residents have raised complaints about the site on multiple occasions in the past.

Following a series of complaints, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) issued three notices to Bagmane Developers Pvt Ltd last year for violating the Karnataka High Court’s order on night-time construction activities (between 10 pm and 6 am).

The third and final notice was sent on June 21, following an inspection by the state pollution control board on June 13, which revealed multiple violations at the construction site. In its notice to the director of Bagmane Developers Pvt Ltd, KSPCB emphasised the seriousness of these violations and stated that further action would be taken if a satisfactory response, including an action taken report, is not received within seven days.

A site inspection was conducted by KSPCB in January 2023 as well, and the first notice for non-compliance was sent to tech park authorities on February 10. However, the inspection conducted in June revealed that none of the violations highlighted by the Board in its first notice were removed.

The notice from the board in June last year warned that if the builder disobeys, the consent granted to them would be revoked. KSPCB also stated it would take action under Section 31(A) of the Air Act by directing BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited) to disconnect power and BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board) to cut the water supply. Additionally, a criminal case would be filed against the builder under the Air Act provisions.

The board directed Bagmane Developers Pvt Ltd to adhere to Karnataka High Court-mandated working hours, cover heavy vehicles with tarpaulin, install barricades around the site to minimise air and noise pollution. As per the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) specifications, the acceptable noise level (dB) for residential areas is 55 dB during the day and 45 dB during the night.

Workers move construction materials using pulleys and cables after 10 pm, impacting our sleep–Resident

“We have been measuring noise levels during early morning hours and it reached 75 dB. The builder is not only disobeying the HC’s order but is also flouting BBMP’s by law, which mandates that no construction activities can be carried out during night hours,” said another resident.

“Workers use a crane and cement truck to pump cement into the bucket during night hours. Because of floor work, we cannot see what is happening but we can hear loud sounds. The workers have also been dumping soil to level the ground but without sprinkling water. A lot of dust enters our houses,” rued another resident.