Hyderabad: Living near the airport often means dealing with the constant roar of jet engines, but that is about to change for residents in these zones.
The Telangana government has issued new orders making it mandatory for all new buildings in 'Airport Noise Zones' to be constructed with sound-resistant materials.
The move aims to ensure that while planes fly overhead, the environment inside homes, hospitals, and schools remains quiet and peaceful.
Peace and quiet for residents
Under the new amendment to the Telangana Building Rules, any new construction, whether it is a house, an apartment complex, a hospital, or a commercial building, must include soundproofing in its design. The goal is to significantly improve the "indoor environment" for those living and working in high-noise areas near the airport.
The government noted that specific provisions for sound resistance are now a must in the selection of construction materials and architectural designs.
Builders will be held responsible
The new rules place the burden of noise control directly on the shoulders of developers. According to the government order, bearing number 124, it is now the "strict responsibility" of the owner or builder to ensure the building meets the noise limit standards.
If a building is being constructed in a designated noise zone, it must comply with the limits prescribed by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Environment.
As per national standards
These changes come as an amendment to the existing 2012 Building Rules. The state government is aligning its urban development laws with national aviation and environmental guidelines to protect citizens from the health risks associated with long-term noise pollution.
Officials have directed that these new rules be implemented immediately, and builders will likely need to provide proof of sound-resistant measures before getting their final clearances.