The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 makes provision for specifying ambient air quality standards in respect of noise for different areas/zones, categorization of the areas for the purpose of implementation of noise standards, authorizing the authorities for enforcement and achievement of laid down standards. The Goa State Government has taken steps for laying down such standards and notifying the authorities where it has not already been done. The issue before the citizens /residents of the North Goa coastal villages is in the manner the ambient air quality standards are violated with impunity even during the day time . There needs to be some set standard procedure in place in order to take action in such cases violating the ambient quality standards be it instrumental noise, generator noise, bursting of fire crackers, motor vehicle noise or any other noise source during the night time. If one violates the ambient air quality standards during the day time and/or night time it becomes a criminal offence and can be dealt with by the “authority”. The issue is the violation of the ambient air quality standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board.
