Team Herald
PANJIM: In wake of growing concerns over noise levels breaching permissible limits, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) plans to set up the State’s first real-time noise-monitoring system.
Speaking to media persons, the Board Chairman Mahesh Patil said that the authorities are also considering developing an app to provide information cum complaints on noise pollution related to late night parties across State, with more focus on coastal areas.
Patil said that the real-time noise-monitoring system will provide real time data to the authorities to act upon. “Noise is an issue in a tourist place like Goa. Today the technology is available with noise level equipment that gives you real time information including the direction of the noise coming from. The system will be monitored by Board from the head office,” he said.
“The authorities involved in acting against noise pollution violations like police, will be provided data for necessary action,” he added.
Patil said that the Board is also thinking about developing an app to provide information on noise pollution related to late-night parties. “Nobody can say that there is no evidence because the equipment and data will be available. We have to be proactive and adopt technology but the response is more important,” he said.
Bombay High Court at Goa had in December 2021 issued directives for the efficient implementation of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 and guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in this regard. The HC had said that a dedicated and 24/7 telephone line bearing number 112 shall be maintained to receive noise pollution complaints.
Before that in 2019, the State government had informed Court that it is considering developing an app to report cases of noise pollution.
