PANAJI
Amidst the on-going debate surrounding the government failure to curb late night music or noise pollution, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) seems to be shying away from its responsibility.
The pollution authority during its Board meeting, last month, resolved that their role is limited to preparing noise maps and gathering data and has got no powers to act upon any violations.
“Board is presently in news due to music in coastal belts. As per Noise Rules and Noise Action Plan notified by the government, the authority to take action is police and Collector and the role of the Board is limited to preparing noise mapping and gathering noise data,” the Board resolved during its meeting.
“Only in case of particular requirement, like that of the Sunburn, GSPCB is doing the monitoring along with the police and district authorities,” it said further.
The meeting also resolved to wait for the outcome of the petitions pending before the High Court to implement the necessary directions, which will continue to follow the Noise Action Plan.
During the meeting, the Member Secretary informed that the Directorate of Environment has provided noise meters to every coastal police stations and to the district authorities for necessary gathering of real time noise data.
The Bombay High Court at Goa is currently monitoring late night sound pollution issue along the coastal belt. In its recent directives, the Court had directed the Board to submit inspection report over noise pollution in Anjuna.
As per the government notified action plan, the Board has to carry out noise-level mapping along with police officials on regular basis and carry out noise level monitoring whenever required. The Board’s consent to operate is made mandatory for use of loudspeaker or public address system or musical instruments, in open areas.
The ambient air quality standard for commercial area is restricted at 66dB at day time and 55dB at night, whereas for residential areas, the air quality standards are 55db during the day and 45db at night.
