The study conducted by the Goa State Pollution Control Board on noise levels in cities at night time, by and large, confirms that Goa tends to sleep more soundly than other states. The report shows that in the cities of Margao and Panaji, the noise levels are within permissible limits whereas Vasco and Mapusa experience noisier nights. The cause for this is probably vehicular traffic which passes through the cities every now and then. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the norm for night time noise varies according to the character of the area. Levels tend to be elevated in industrial areas and less in residential and silent zones. While 40 decibels is the norm for silent zones, the minimum level for industrial areas is 70 decibels.
According to the World Health Organisation the minimum night time noise for the European Union is 40 decibels and Goa needs to work towards reducing noise levels to meet EU standards, difficult as they might be. Noise at night disrupts sleep, which in the long run, creates health problems for citizens. In Goa noise pollution also comes from loud public address systems and music along the beach. Despite having stringent noise rules, they are not always implemented along the northern beach belt and a study by the GSPCB would help expose this tendency to overlook many party places, to the detriment of early sleepers.
