Just like air pollution, water pollution and noise pollution too have a detrimental effect on the health of human beings. Environmental noise pollution can cause hearing impairment, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, annoyance and sleep disturbance. Changes in the immune system and birth defects have also been attributed to noise exposure. Noise pollution also affects wildlife. High-intensity sound induces fear, which can force species to abandon their habitat. It also affects pet animals like dogs and cats. Hence noise pollution needs to be dealt with equal importance by the authorities just like air and water pollution. It is understood that in Goa there is a dedicated 24-hour helpline 112 for registering complaints pertaining to noise pollution. The complaints registered with the police are reportedly forwarded to the nodal points maintained in the police control room and the duty officer forwards the complaint manually to the local police station of the area as per the location of the complaint for necessary action. It must be said that loud music played in the coastal areas can cause hardships to people living in the vicinity, especially senior citizens and small children. It can become a hindrance for students who burn the midnight oil preparing for exams. Since all provisions are not covered under the Noise Pollution Rules 2000, the government has reportedly stated that directions can be issued that habitual violators should not be granted any permission for playing music/using amplified sound systems and/or loudspeakers for two years.
