Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jan 21: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has issued a stern warning to commercial establishments and event organisers, stating that noise pollution beyond permissible limits and timings will not be tolerated, and violators will face strict action, including heavy fines and suspension of consent to operate.
GSPCB Chairman Levinson Martins said noise levels in the State are regulated under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, which clearly specify permissible decibel limits for residential, commercial and industrial zones. “All music must stop after 10 pm. If permissible noise levels are exceeded, action will be initiated as per the rules,” he said.
Martins clarified that district collectors, deputy collectors and the police department, including Superintendents of Police, are the primary authorities empowered to act against noise violations. However, following directions of the High Court, the GSPCB has also been mandated to monitor noise pollution and initiate action wherever required.
To strengthen enforcement, the Board has installed online noise monitoring systems at 38 locations identified as chronic noise pollution hotspots across Goa. These systems send real-time alerts to the GSPCB office whenever noise levels cross permissible limits. Martins said the monitoring network will be expanded further in the coming days. Noise levels are monitored separately for daytime (6 am to 10 pm) and night-time (10 pm to 6 am), as stipulated under the rules.
The GSPCB has also activated a 24x7 public complaint helpline to involve citizens in enforcement. Members of the public can report noise violations by calling 8956487938. Once a complaint is received, it is immediately forwarded to the concerned police station, deputy collector and police inspector for necessary action.
The chairman said the Board has begun imposing penalties where violations are detected through its monitoring systems. “For the first violation, the fine is Rs 20,000, for the second it is Rs 40,000, and for repeated violations, we can either suspend the consent to operate or impose a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh,” he said.
Since September, the Board has fined 22 establishments, while 14 cases are currently under monitoring. Most violations have been reported from the North Goa beach belt, and around 600 more cases are under scrutiny.
Appealing to establishments and organisers, Martins said the Board means business. “Authorities are supposed to act, and we are acting. We have imposed fines and more cases are being scrutinised. Please ensure music is played within permissible limits and stops by 10 pm,” he said.
Clarifying that there would be no relaxation even for private events, Martins said the 10 pm deadline applies to weddings and private functions as well. “As per law, there is no music allowed after 10 pm. The only exception is for 15 days in a year, which are specifically notified by the Environment Department,” he added.