GSPCB steps up noise checks, 28 establishments get notices

Panaji: After years of coastal residents complaining about loud music at night, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has intensified noise monitoring by making its centralised monitoring system operational round-the-clock from Dec.Staff now work in three shifts to monitor noise through 38 online systems installed at various establishments.These are in addition to the Board’s coastal noise monitoring stations located at Palolem, Cavelossim, Colva, Benaulim, Calangute, Anjuna, Candolim, Vagator and Arambol. Officials said 28 establishments were issued notices in Jan after monitoring was intensified.Citizen complaints have also strengthened enforcement after the GSPCB launched a helpline, 8956487938.“After we receive a call, we inform the police station. We receive complaints mostly from 8 pm to 1 am. Besides calling the police station, our staff from the centralised monitoring cell also send WhatsApp messages and emails to the police to act.If data shows noise limits are exceeded over an eight-hour period, the establishment is issued a show-cause notice. Violations can lead to fines and temporary or permanent suspension of licence,” said Nilesh Parsekar, scientist B at the GSPCB.Two establishments were recently sealed along the Bardez coast for exceeding permissible noise limits.“If noise recorded by the Board’s 11 stations exceeds prescribed limits, alerts go to the collector, police and the GSPCB. Police then verify it on the ground. Since the helpline was launched, we are receiving many more calls, which has helped intensify monitoring,” Parsekar said.The Board constituted its noise monitoring cell following directives from the high court last year.“The cell became operational in Sept, but monitoring intensified with the helpline and three-shift staffing since Dec. We still try to inform police and get complaints addressed,” he said.