NT NETWORK
PANAJI
Stating that cases of noise pollution have considerably reduced along the coastal belt of Goa in the recent past, North Goa Additional Collector (I) Sabaji Shetye Tuesday said that no new guidelines have been issued to the teams, which were constituted for curbing the menace of noise pollution.
“At present, noise pollution is not a major issue along the coastal belt or also in other parts of the state when compared to the past instances, but at the same time we cannot deny that there is no incident of noise pollution reported,” said Shetye. He said that there are very few places in the coastal belt where cases of sound pollution take place and are reported.
“During the model code of conduct, we did not allow anyone to violate the rules with regard to noise pollution and with the new government in place, I have come to know through newspapers that MLAs of coastal belt are supporting the restriction, so there is no room for violating the norms laid down in noise pollution Act. We have continued to keep a close watch and are initiating action whenever required,” said Shetye.
He said that the existing laws restrict only the sound system after 10 pm and not the parties. “Sound pollution is not necessarily related to loudspeakers. There are other ways too – creating nuisance and shouting are also dealt with similar laws,” he said.
Shetye said that the state government can permit relaxation in playing loud music till 12 am only for 15 days for special occasions and beyond that, the Goa government has no power for further relaxation. “If required, we can permit relaxation for loud music up to 12 am on occasions such as Carnival and other events,” he said.
Shetye said that all the complaints related to noise pollution are addressed by Goa police officers along with officials of the Goa State Pollution Control Board. He said that officers are also notified at the ranks of the Sub District Magistrate and Deputy Superintendent of Police to deal with such cases.
