Madras High Court Takes Action on Noise Pollution: Directs TNPCB to Investigate and Report

The Madras High Court has issued a significant directive, instructing the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to report on the actions taken when construction activities breach permitted noise levels in residential areas, causing disturbance even during night hours. Justices R. Subramanian and R. Sakthivel, in response to a writ petition filed by former Additional Solicitor General G. Rajagopalan, have also ordered private hospital management to halt construction activities for its new hospital at St. Mary’s Road in Chennai between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. until further notice.

The court has called for reports on ambient air quality and noise levels in the locality, and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is required to submit a report on the classification of St. Mary’s Road and whether hospital construction is permitted. The petitioner highlighted noise and vibration concerns due to the hospital’s construction, alleging authorities’ inaction despite complaints. He seeks disciplinary action against officials and measures against the hospital for violating pollution norms.