Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: With noise pollution being a cause of concern, the State govt appointed central agencies have proposed introducing noise-dampening materials for construction of roads, bridges to decrease traffic noise transmission.
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) monitors ambient noise levels in silent zones such as hospitals, schools, and collegesand high-traffic areas (such as flyovers), in accordance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
These sensitive areas, due to their need for a quiet environment, are particularly vulnerable to noise pollution from nearby roads, commercial activities, and urban developments. Excessive noise in these zones can disrupt learning, healing, and overall well-being.
To mitigate these impacts, the following regulatory measures are suggested to manage noise pollution and ensure compliance with established noise standards in sensitive areas across Goa.
It would be advantageous to install transparent noise barriers five meters high that are composed of 15 mm polycarbonate panels. To lessen noise spillover, these barriers might be erected at the rear and sides of music installations, with the front facing the sea and angled slightly in its direction,” the statement continued.
To lessen extended exposure to high noise levels, the agencies advise employees working near noisy beaches to wear earplugs.
The paper states that since residential areas are placed a great distance from Miramar, Candolim, Anjuna, and Sinquerim beaches, there is no need for noise barriers at these places. Additional noise control measures are not required because of the separation, which lessens the impact of any beach-related noise on neighboring areas, according to the paper.
The agencies have suggested adding an automatic shutdown mechanism to the music systems at well-known tourist beaches, which would turn the systems off when noise levels surpass 90 dB(A). This could aid in controlling noise levels, which can vary greatly and affect animal and human health.
It stated that in order to help stop noise from invading residential areas, noise barriers might be placed along the sea’s edge at beaches close to residential areas.
“The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, could be adhered to by enforcing nighttime noise regulations on beaches with high tourist influx between specific hours, reducing noise pollution during peak times,” the report continued.
