The Worli Residents Association has objected to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) proposal to construct a helipad at the Worli jetty along the Mumbai Coastal Road.
The association has sent a complaint by email to the BMC Commissioner, the Maharashtra urban development department, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
In its letter, the association said the proposed helipad would cause severe noise pollution, disturb residential life, and worsen traffic congestion in the area.
Residents also raised concerns about coastal security and frequent VVIP helicopter movements, which they said would disrupt daily life.
“Such movements will fundamentally compromise residential peace, mental well-being, and the quality of life of thousands of citizens living along this stretch,” the letter stated.
The Worli Residents Association said there was no transparent public consultation before the decision to develop the helipad was taken.
The group urged the civic body to withdraw the proposal and identify alternative locations away from residential areas for the helipad.
Noise levels far above permissible limits
The residents warned that helicopter operations produce extremely high noise levels.
According to the letter, helicopter take-offs and landings can generate noise between 100 and 120 decibels, which is much higher than the limits set under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
The permissible limit in residential areas is 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
Impact on health and daily life
The association pointed out that Worli is a densely populated residential area.
It said the noise would seriously affect senior citizens, children and patients in nearby hospitals and medical facilities. Even short helicopter movements could lead to sleep disturbance, stress and long-term health problems.
The letter also referred to international studies showing that urban heliports often exceed noise limits and negatively affect nearby homes.
Background of the helipad proposal
Last month, the BMC invited bids to develop the Worli Jetty into a helipad.
The jetty was built during the construction of the Mumbai Coastal Road and was earlier used to transport construction materials.
The helipad proposal was first made by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in March last year. In May, government-owned Pawan Hans Ltd cleared the feasibility of setting up a medium-sized helipad at the site.
