Govt allows loudspeakers for 15 festivals this year

Margao: State govt has alllowed the usage of loudspeakers during 15 festivals this year between 10pm to midnight. It was issued by the director of the department of environment and climate change, Sachin Dessai, under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

The order begins from Easter eve and Easter on April 4 and 5. The other permitted festive days are: three days during the Ganesh Chaturthi season — the 2nd day of idol immersion (Sept 15), the 5th day (Sept 18), and Anant Chaturdashi (Sept 24) — followed by the last day of Navratri (Oct 20), Diwali Eve (Nov 7), Christmas Eve and Christmas (Dec 24-25), and from Dec 26 to 31.

The permission will be granted only on a case to case basis, after an application is submitted by a village panchayat, corporation, municipal council, or an individual, and the authorities will have to monitor the noise levels.