PANAJI
The Bombay High Court at Goa has directed the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to submit a report on the inspection of five clubs and restaurants in Anjuna, found in violation of sound permission, to ascertain if they have real-time sound level monitoring systems installed.
At the ongoing hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking action against noise pollution in Anjuna, the Division Bench of Justice MS Karnik and Justice Valmiki Menezes expressed dissatisfaction with GSPCB’s corrigendum, which does not specify a deadline for installing the systems.
On Tuesday, three of the five respondent establishments submitted their reply affidavits, while two sought additional time, which was granted. The Court also directed GSPCB to consider factors such as the area, size, and whether the premises are indoor or outdoor, etc., in its report.
Earlier this month, the Bench had directed the three teams of Anjuna police to maintain strict vigilance against noise pollution and submit a detailed plan to assess whether indoor establishments have adequate acoustic systems to prevent noise disturbances.
The Bench also reiterated that authorities take firm action against noise violations.
The five establishments “ Diaz Pool Club & Bar, Noah Goa, Thalassa, Bar Hifi, and Raeeth “ claimed they only host indoor music events, after being issued show-cause notices following complaints of noise pollution.
Anjuna police, equipped with decibel meters, are monitoring for noise violations and unauthorised music events after 10 pm.
The police had also submitted that 31 establishments breached sound norms between July 1 and August 28.
