Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Bombay High Court at Goa has raised concerns over the effectiveness of CCTV surveillance in detecting noise pollution, after being informed that operations at Anjuna-based nightclub ‘Diaz’ had been halted.
During the hearing of a contempt petition on noise violations, Justice Bharati Dangre questioned how CCTV cameras could be used to measure sound levels. “How can CCTVs capture decibel readings?” she asked, responding to submissions by Amicus Curiae Nigel Costa Frias, who said that establishments with consent from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) are required to install both CCTV and noise monitoring systems.
Costa Frias explained that while CCTV cannot measure noise, it can help determine if music was played beyond the permissible 10 pm deadline, as mandated by the Supreme Court. He said footage can reveal if venues were still operating or hosting parties, contradicting police claims of compliance. Justice Dangre, however, maintained that the footage alone is not sufficient to prove noise violations and stressed the need for proper sound monitoring equipment.
GSPCB’s legal representative, Manish Salkar, appearing via video link, informed the court that Diaz had been instructed to suspend operations pending further investigation. Justice Dangre observed that such action under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act could act as a deterrent to other violators.
According to an affidavit filed by the GSPCB, Diaz – operated by P&P Food Corporation in Gaum Vaddi, Anjuna – has been issued a notice to explain why its ‘Consent to Operate’ should not be cancelled. A hearing in the matter is scheduled for June 20.
The petitioner also raised concerns over limited enforcement, questioning why only one establishment had faced action. In response, Justice Dangre directed that all violations be compiled and submitted to the Amicus Curiae.
Meanwhile, the court was informed that several nightlife establishments along the Baga stretch continue to cause disturbances to religious institutions, including the Xavier Retreat House. The retreat house, which has joined the case as an intervenor, submitted records of seven complaints filed between June 9 and 17 that remain unanswered by the Calangute Police.
Taking note of this, the court ordered the inclusion of the Calangute Police Inspector in the case and expressed frustration over delays. “This matter is progressing too slowly despite repeated directions,” Justice Dangre said, instructing the Amicus Curiae to compile and present a summary of all court orders and their compliance at the next hearing scheduled for July 14.
