MAPUSA
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has filed cases against the owners/managers of two prominent venues in Vagator, Bardez – Salud and Hill Top – for allegedly violating noise pollution regulations.
The action comes amid ongoing High Court hearings on complaints of loud music in the State.
The complaints, lodged by Member Secretary of the GSPCB Dr Shamila Monteiro highlight repeated instances of music being played beyond permissible noise limits, causing disturbances in the locality.
In the case of ‘Salud’, located in Vagator, it was alleged that on New Year’s Eve, from 10 pm on December 31, 2024, to 6 am on January 1, 2025, the venue exceeded the legal decibel limit, with a recorded reading of 65.7 dB.
Similarly, ‘Hill Top’, another well-known establishment in the same area, was accused of breaching noise limits on multiple occasions. On December 24-25, 2024 and January 6-7, 2025, the sound levels were recorded at 68.2 dB and 78.7 dB, respectively.
The reported violations contravene the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
The permissible noise level in the area was significantly exceeded during these events, according to the GSPCB.
Both cases are under investigation by SDPO Mapusa, Sandesh Chodankar.
The venue owners/managers have been booked under Section 5 of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Local residents have expressed their concerns over the recurring issue of noise pollution in the region.
