Panaji: Considering the number of commercial establishments operating in the Anjuna and Vagator areas and the noise mapping data of the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), the Goa state pollution control board is likely to recommend to the department of environment to notify Anjuna-Caisua village panchayat as a commercial area under the provisions of noise rules. Over 900 commercial establishments operate in Anjuna.If Anjuna is declared a commercial area, govt can permit 10 decibel high noise levels as compared to residential areas.The GSPCB draft report on noise mapping of establishment and residential areas to identify location for real-time online noise monitoring station (RTONMS) in Anjuna said that the comparative assessment indicates that traffic movement plays a significant role in determining ambient noise levels in the Anjuna area, often contributing noise levels comparable to or higher than those attributed solely to music-related activities.“Further, comparison of CRRI’s projected 2025 noise levels with actual GSPCB installed RTONMS data shows that the predicted noise levels were considerably higher than the measured values,” GSPCB said.The report has been prepared in compliance with the directions of the Bombay high court in a contempt petition. The court directed the GSPCB and department of environment to map the establishments and residential areas and thereafter determine the location for installation of noise monitoring meters to attend its source and the residential areas, which are expected to be within the periphery of the establishments and not in an enclosure.The report also considers the findings and recommendations of the noise mapping study conducted by CRRI, which was commissioned by Goa govt for scientific assessment and mitigation of noise pollution in the region.Detailed verification of 83 entertainment establishments, restaurants, beach shacks, clubs, hotels, and related commercial establishments was carried out by GSPCB. The verification included GIS mapping of establishments, assessment of RONMS installation status, identification of nearby residential premises, evaluation of speaker orientation and sound system configuration, and examination of mitigation measures suggested by CRRI.The study has been conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the environmental noise monitoring protocols prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board.“The findings presented in this report provide a scientific and factual basis for assessing compliance with applicable noise standards, implementing suitable mitigation measures, and positioning of RTONMS as per findings of the report.CRRI observation in Anjuna, Vagator and Arpora areas stated that nowadays, besides congestion, air pollution and accidents due to road traffic, people are also concerned about the ill effects of noise and vibrations.The CRRI observation said that the increase in tourist inflow and extended nightlife activities along the coastline have significantly added to noise pollution and consequent concerns of local citizens.
