PANAJI
The Department of Environment and climate change has notified a new set of 27 officers including the two collectors of North and South Goa as 'authority' to enforce the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
In addition to the two Collectors of North and South Goa, the additional collectors-I of the two districts also figure in the new list.
The sub-divisional magistrates (Deputy Collectors) of all the 12 talukas, the Superintendents of Police of North and South Goa and the officers in-charge of the eight police sub-divisions are the others designated as 'authority' to enforce the rules and maintain ambient sound.
The notification also includes the cell phone numbers of all the 27 designated officers so as to allow easy access for citizens who wish to flag instances of violation of the sound rules.
Dealing with loud sound, especially in tourist-centric coastal locales of the State has been a nagging problem for citizens residing in these areas for decades.
The need to notify names and telephone details of the officers arose following a Bombay High Court order in a suo motu petition taken up following a complaint by 'The Citizens Committee on Noise Pollution' back in 2006.
On the other hand, Goa's tourism industry for which amplified sound is quintessential for its famed nightlife, especially in the Northern coastal belt, has been lobbying hard for relaxation of the sound restrictions.
There have also been complaints of corruption with citizens groups in the Northern coastal belt alleging that officials are bribed to turn a blind eye to the playing of loud music and partying through the night.
