IISc sets up committee to suggest pollution control guidelines at Metro construction sites

BENGALURU: Construction work on the Metro 2nd and 3rd phases are going on in full swing in different parts ofthe city, but the recent collapse of a Metro reinforcement cage near Nagawara had raised safety concerns among road users.

Now, people living near the Metro work sites are complaining about noise and dust pollution due to the construction activity. Therefore, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) approached the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to conduct a study and submit a report on preventive measures and frame guidelines on regulating pollution.

The IISc has now formed a team, led by Prof Dr Chandra Kishan, to assess and contain pollution and suggest measure to prevent accidents or any other untoward incidents involving workers during construction. After an assessment, the IISc will prepare guidelines for night-time work. The committee was formed 10 days ago and the research work has already started.

A research committee, led by Dr Chandra Kishan, will assess ways to regulate pollution during Metro construction.

Dr Chandra Kishan, Professor at IISc, said, “We will inspect the spots and then start testing. The working spaces are very small, and work is going on in densely populated areas. We will check for noise and dust pollution during daytime and the night-time work that is carried out and, based on our findings, we will suggest to the BMRCL what type of work can be done during the night without disturbing local residents. The BMRCL has given us two-and-half months to prepare a report. The Outer Ring Road, K R Puram, Silk Board junction are high density areas. There is a high probability of people getting respiratory-related problems due to the Metro construction activity”.