NGT questions DGCA, ministry over decibel-busting aircraft

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday came to the rescue of citizens suffering from noise pollution caused by the aircraft landing at the IGI Airport.

The green court came down heavily on the Ministry of Civil of Aviation and DGCA while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by residents of Vasant Kunj and surrounding areas against sound pollution caused by aircraft.

“Why have you not issued ‘Noise Abatement Procedure Circular’ in the matter? If you don’t issue the circular we will issue contempt against you,” the Tribunal told DGCA.

Asking the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) and Airport Authority of India (AAI) to take urgent corrective steps, the residents had told in the court, in a petition, that they suffer 24 hours due to the roaring sound of the aircraft flying low over their houses. They also had sought withdrawal of environment clearance given to the runway.

Referring to runway number 29, the petitioners alleged that noise created by aircraft, flying at a height of 200ft to 300ft at the time of landing, is disturbing the patients and also affecting the health of the residents.