PANAJI
Delhi-based CSIR- Central Road Research Institute (CSIR) is mid-way in completing the crucial project related to noise mapping and identifying the sound/noise hot spots across the State, with more focus on the coastal belt. The agency is expected to submit its report by January, 2025 proposing mitigation plan to control the noise pollution -- which has gripped the coastal State at present.
The study, initiated by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) will help the government in drafting a fresh State Noise Action Plan- as directed by the National Green Tribunal.
As per law, the ambient noise quality standard for commercial areas is restricted at 66 dB at day time and 55 dB at night, whereas for residential areas, the noise standards are 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night. For silent zones, the prescribed limit is 50 dB during day and 40dB during night hours.
Sources explained that the agency will help develop noise maps of cities in Goa in terms of the day and night equivalent noise levels indicating hotspots areas. Sources said that the agency, will not only look into sound or noise pollution related due to late night parties or loud music, but other sources of pollution including vehicles and industries.
“The agency will identify the hotspot areas and recommend measures to control the noise pollution there,” sources said.
“The Project, which we expect to be completed by January 2025, will give a clear picture of noise pollution in the state and scientific mitigation methods to reduce the problem,” sources added
Meanwhile, the Board has already made functional real-time monitoring of ambient air quality noise level along 12 locations in North and South coastal belt.
In the North, the equipment are installed at Morjim, Ashvem, Mandrem, Arambol, Candolim, Calangute, Baga and Anjuna beaches and on Colva, Cavelossim, Benaulim, and Agonda beaches in the South.
Sources informed that an online environmental data monitoring centre has been established at the GSPCB head office for real-time monitoring of data from these locations.
It is basically a centralized networking system linked to the offices of the GSPCB, Police Department and District Collectors. The system will monitor noise-levels continuously for 24 hours, 365 days a year.
The noise monitoring equipment installed on the 12 beaches has been made to meet the norms of the European Union and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
As per law, the GSPCB can assist police wherever required to measure noise, however, they cannot enforce action as the authority lies with the sub-divisional magistrate and deputy superintendent of police.
