Goa Ramps Up 24/7 Noise Monitoring to Address Coastal Residents' Complaints
In response to persistent grievances from coastal residents about excessive nighttime noise, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has significantly escalated its enforcement efforts. The board has made its centralized noise monitoring system fully operational on a 24/7 basis starting from December, marking a critical step in tackling auditory disturbances across the state's popular beach destinations.
Enhanced Monitoring Infrastructure and Staffing
The GSPCB has deployed staff across three shifts to ensure continuous surveillance through 38 online monitoring systems installed at various establishments. This network complements the board's existing coastal noise monitoring stations strategically located at key beaches including Palolem, Cavelossim, Colva, Benaulim, Calangute, Anjuna, Candolim, Vagator, and Arambol.
According to officials, this intensified monitoring has already yielded results, with 28 establishments receiving formal notices in January alone for violating noise regulations.
Citizen Engagement and Enforcement Mechanisms
Public participation has been bolstered through the launch of a dedicated helpline (8956487938), which has significantly strengthened enforcement capabilities. "After we receive a call, we immediately inform the local police station," explained Nilesh Parsekar, Scientist B at the GSPCB. "Most complaints pour in between 8 pm and 1 am. In addition to police notification, our centralized monitoring cell staff also send WhatsApp messages and emails to ensure prompt action."
The enforcement protocol is systematic: when monitoring data indicates noise limits have been exceeded over an eight-hour period, the offending establishment receives a show-cause notice. Subsequent violations can lead to substantial fines and potentially temporary or permanent license suspension.
Recent Enforcement Actions and Legal Framework
The board's renewed vigilance has already resulted in concrete actions, including the recent sealing of two establishments along the Bardez coast for consistently exceeding permissible noise limits. The monitoring system is designed to trigger automatic alerts to multiple authorities when noise thresholds are breached.
"If noise recorded by the Board's 11 stations exceeds prescribed limits, alerts are simultaneously sent to the collector, police department, and the GSPCB," Parsekar detailed. "Police officers then conduct ground verification. Since activating the helpline, we've experienced a substantial increase in citizen reports, which has significantly enhanced our monitoring effectiveness."
This comprehensive noise monitoring initiative was established following specific directives from the high court last year. Although the monitoring cell became operational in September, its capabilities were substantially expanded in December with the introduction of three-shift staffing and the dedicated complaint helpline.
"The cell became operational in September, but monitoring truly intensified with the helpline and three-shift staffing since December," Parsekar confirmed. "We maintain continuous efforts to coordinate with police authorities and ensure all legitimate complaints receive appropriate attention and resolution."
