MARGAO: After hoteliers and other tourism stakeholders, political parties and even people from cultural organisations have claimed that the order to shut down all music after 10 pm will not go down well with the people of Goa.
Fatorda MLA and President of Goa Forward Party Vijai Sardesai on Tuesday called the order a threat to the cultural, social and religious ethos of Goa and Goans.
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“Music is a part of Goem Goemkar and Goemkarponn. Shutting down all forms of music after 10 pm is killing Goem, Goemkar, Goemkarpomm,” said Sardesai. He claimed that only a small fraction of shacks, restaurants and hotels across the State create a nuisance by playing loud music and said the crackdown should only be targeted at them.
“People have been calling 100 and reporting these sound violations but the police, who have a nexus with such establishments, have been ignoring these complaints. It is the failure of the administration for not acting on these individual complaints and relying on these few rogue cops who are hand-in-glove with the violators,” he alleged. He demanded that the government come out with a law to regulate music at night, rather than a blanket ban. The government should have prayed for relief that private events like weddings and annual cultural and religious events must be exempted. “Goa is known for cultural events, wherein music plays an important role. Is it possible to conclude such events- Konkani musical shows, for instance, by 10 pm?” questioned Avito Pereira, who organises cultural events. “Christmas is approaching and will people from the Catholic community or the Church be prevented from holding their traditional late-night events?” he asked.
“Yes, loud music causes noise pollution, but that does not mean that everyone should be held responsible, for the few who violate the laws,” said Pereira.
