MAPUSA
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has issued a strong warning to commercial establishments and event organisers, making it clear that noise pollution beyond permissible limits and timings will not be tolerated, with strict action, including heavy fines and suspension of consent, being initiated against violators.
GSPCB Chairman Levinson Martins said that noise levels in the State are governed by the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, which clearly define permissible decibel limits for residential, commercial and industrial zones.
“All music must stop after 10 pm. If the permissible noise level goes up action will be initiated as per the rules,” Martins said.
He clarified that under the Noise Pollution Rules, the district collectors, deputy collectors and the police department, including Superintendents of Police, are the primary authorities empowered to take action against noise violators.
However, following directions from the High Court, the GSPCB has also been mandated to monitor noise pollution and initiate action where required.
Online monitoring
Martins said the Board has strengthened its enforcement mechanism by installing online noise monitoring systems in 38 locations across the State that have been identified as chronic noise pollution hotspots.
“These online systems send real-time alerts directly to the GSPCB office whenever noise levels exceed permissible limits,” he said, adding that the Board plans to expand the monitoring network to cover more areas in the coming days.
Noise levels are monitored separately during daytime (6 am to 10 pm) and night-time (10 pm to 6 am), as stipulated under the rules.
24x7 complaint helpline
To involve citizens in enforcement, the GSPCB has also activated a 24-hour public complaint system. Martins said members of the public can report noise violations at any time by calling 8956487938.
“Once a complaint is registered, it is immediately forwarded to the concerned police station, the deputy collector and the police inspector for necessary action,” he said.
Heavy fines, consent suspension
The chairman said the GSPCB has also begun imposing penalties in cases where violations are detected through its monitoring systems.
“For the first violation, the fine is Rs 20,000, for the second it is Rs 40,000 and for repeated violations, we can either suspend the consent to operate or impose a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh,” Martins said.
Since September, the Board has fined 22 establishments, while another 14 cases are currently under monitoring, with most violations reported from the North Goa beach belt. Around 600 more cases are under scrutiny.
‘We mean business’
Appealing to commercial establishments and event organisers, Martins said the Board is serious about enforcement and will not hesitate to act.
“Authorities are supposed to act, and we are acting. We have imposed fines and more cases are being scrutinised. Please ensure that music is played within permissible limits and stops by 10 pm,” he said.
The GSPCB’s firm stand signals a renewed crackdown on noise pollution across Goa, particularly in sensitive and residential areas, with the Board making it clear that violations will invite swift and stringent action.
Deadline applies to weddings,
private functions too: Martins
MAPUSA: Emphasising that there will be no relaxation on timings, Goa State Pollution Control Board Chairman Levinson Martins categorically stated that music must stop by 10 pm, including at weddings and private functions.
“As per law, there is no music allowed after 10 pm. The only exception is for 15 days in a year, which are specifically notified by the Environment Department,” he said.
