The Goa State Pollution Control Board has tightened the screws on sound pollution, and rightly so. To keep music violations under control, the GSPCB has issued guidelines to event organisers and owners of open-air venues. All events, including weddings, parties, private functions and programmes of over 50 people, will need permission to play amplified music. In addition, all music or public address systems will require prior approval. Also, there are restrictions on the use of diesel generators at venues.
Introducing noise monitoring systems at venues is a smart move, but it is to be seen how effective it will be in tracking real-time sound violations. Open-air venues holding weddings and parties are now required to install online noise monitoring systems and connect these to the GSPCB Server. The plan is to have a real-time understanding and control of sound violations across multiple venues without physically sending teams on-site. The question is, how practical is the system?
Firstly, it puts the onus on proprietors of venues and event managers to install noise monitoring equipment and full-fledged systems to log on to the pollution control board’s servers. Secondly, considering the system is established, will the pollution control board have the resources to monitor the decibels and effectively coordinate with enforcement? Finally, what are the parameters for monitoring sound via the systems? Will the GSPCB oversee installation and follow-up to check compliance? Or are event managers left on their own?
The online monitoring system is undoubtedly a unique initiative, but it can only be effective if the pollution control board and the police collaborate on a real-time basis and ensure that a set protocol is strictly enforced. Because in an age where Information Technology-driven systems remain largely vulnerable and can be easily hacked or manipulated, there is a need for constant monitoring to ensure compliance, and there must be punitive action for any deviation.
Goa has introduced digital electricity meters, and in the days ahead, we may soon see smart meters. However, these new technological advancements are not fool-proof. Because there is a sheer lack of monitoring, several consumers have looped or bypassed these meters and have conveniently escaped the ire of department readers or line helpers. As a result, electricity thefts go unchecked even now when we have moved away from the ancient form of billing.
The other point here is that while introducing a new system, there has to be a water-tight plan in place to address the more significant problem. Otherwise, we will land up the way we did with the installation of CCTVs, which was done with much fanfare and pomp. Around 50 per cent of the surveillance cameras installed by various government authorities across the State are either non-functional or malfunctioning. The worst part is there is no monitoring happening.
It’s time that all authorities dealing with sound pollution calibrate and get their act together. When dealing with a sector that has been muddied with corruption where even court interventions in the past have failed, there is a need for a unified, clean, unbiased and consistent effort to tame noise pollution.
