Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Playing loud music beyond 10 pm without prior permission from authorities could soon prove costly for violators, with the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) deciding to impose stringent penalties and operational restrictions on erring establishments.
At its meeting held on October 7, the Board approved new environmental compensation measures and finalised a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for strict enforcement of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules.
Under the revised framework, first-time offenders will face a fine of ₹20,000, while a second violation will attract ₹40,000. The GSPCB will also suspend consent to operate until the fine is paid. In the case of repeated offences—more than two instances—the fine may go up to ₹1 lakh, along with sealing of the premises and revocation of consent to operate for three months.
The Board has also resolved to take additional action in situations where noise levels exceed permissible limits but responsibility cannot be pinned on a single establishment. In such cases, the premises may be required to install acoustic enclosures and double-door systems to prevent sound from escaping outside.
To further limit external noise, establishments may be directed to use transmitters or headphones for music transmission, subject to separate permissions from police and other authorities.
“The Board officials may themselves monitor noise levels to identify specific violations and issue directions accordingly,” the GSPCB stated.
According to existing noise control rules, the use of loudspeakers or public address systems is prohibited at night—between 10 pm and 6 am—unless used within closed spaces such as auditoriums, conference halls, or during emergencies, and only with written permission from the competent authority.
The permissible ambient noise levels are capped at 65 dB during the day and 55 dB at night in commercial areas, while in residential zones, the limits are 55 dB by day and 45 dB by night. Silent zones, such as areas around hospitals and educational institutions, have stricter limits of 50 dB during the day and 40 dB at night.
The GSPCB said the new enforcement mechanism aims to curb persistent noise pollution from parties, restaurants, and event venues that continue to flout restrictions despite repeated warnings.
