MAPUSA
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has distanced itself from taking direct, pre-emptive action against noise violators, instead placing responsibility on the police and district administration.
“The Collector and the DySP are the nodal officers who can take action against the violators,” a senior GSPCB officer said on condition of anonymity.
According to the official, the GSPCB’s role is limited to monitoring and forwarding complaints, not on-the-spot enforcement.
Noise monitoring stations have been installed in some nightclubs and restaurants along Goa’s coastal belt. These stations continuously track decibel levels and are connected to an online platform.
The GSPCB has also provided access to this system to the district collector and police, enabling them to check noise readings in real time. “When we get complaints, we forward them to the Collector and the police for action,” the official said, adding that the Board often receives noise complaints from residents and NGOs, especially during peak tourist weekends.
The clarification comes amid growing debate over who should act first when noise rules are broken.
Under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, the responsibility for enforcement lies with the “authority” designated by the state “ in Goa’s case, the Collector and senior police officials in the area. While the GSPCB has the technical capability to monitor sound levels, it lacks the legal authority to shut down or penalise violators on the spot.
This separation of roles has often led to a blame game. Residents complain that by the time police act “ if at all “ the parties have ended and violators go scot-free.
“Everyone says it’s someone else’s job, but meanwhile the music blares on till dawn,” said Anjuna resident Reuben Almeida.
Activists say the current system allows offenders to operate with impunity.
“Real-time noise data is useless if no one uses it to stop the violation while it’s happening,” said a member of a local environmental group.
With more than a dozen clubs in Anjuna-Vagator planning back-to-back parties this weekend, and police already saying they will manage with existing manpower, residents fear the lack of coordinated enforcement could see a repeat of past years’ noise chaos.
