Vadodara: Residents of Shilp Bungalows on Vasna Bhayli Road are voicing strong frustration and anger over the severe noise pollution stemming from the nearby Westside store, which they claim is significantly affecting their quality of life. Struggling to cope with the nuisance created by the store’s air conditioning units, the residents have even written to Noel Tata, chairman of the Tata Trusts, Trent, and Tata Investment Corporation.

The Westside store has become a major source of grievance for the local population. Residents allege that the store installed approximately 40 air conditioning units, whose intense sound is spreading noise pollution throughout the area. They stated that the constant noise is disrupting their daily routines, exacerbating problems for the elderly and children living in the locality.

One distressed resident highlighted the immediate impact, saying, “We have lived in Shilp Bungalows for 15 years, but because of the Westside store that came up behind us, the heat from the ACs is immense, and the noise is so loud that we cannot sit outside anymore. We even have to talk loudly inside the house.”

The AC units are reportedly placed extremely close to the Shilp Bungalows compound—possibly only six feet away from the boundary wall. Residents noted that the problem is severe even when only a fraction of the units are operational.

Another resident, Saumil Mehta, who has also shared photos and videos showing the noise pollution caused by the AC units, told the media that they have been living in the area for over 20 years. He added that while they were happy about a Tata brand, Westside, being in the neighborhood, the installation of 40 AC units has made the noise unbearable, forcing some residents to speak loudly even inside their homes.

“We have elderly residents, like an uncle who is 86 years old, and the noise in his house is so loud that he cannot hear even during the day. We thought that since this is Tata, we wouldn’t need to go anywhere, so I approached the CEO of TRENT (under which Westside operates), who replied immediately and appointed two people to look into the issue. However, the team came but no response has been received from them. Therefore, we have written to the Chairman of Tata Trust, Noel Tata, and we are also going to write to the Police Commissioner, VMC, and Gujarat Pollution Control Board,” he added.

The residents are urging the Tata management to uphold its ethical brand image and resolve the issue quickly, warning that they are prepared to seek legal action.

“We request Tata not to force us to take further action. We can go to court and obtain a stay order. We have been told that our concern is valid, and we will get a stay order. If we get a stay order, the brand’s reputation will suffer greatly. We first request the Tata management that someone should come here and find a solution immediately,” he added.