THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
So common that people have grown tired of even complaining about it. The complaints made to the police bear no action most of the time. All in all, the usual experience of people is that the party organisers escape with little to no consequences. Hence the party organisers advertise about their events openly without any fear. Of course, armed with evidence, a petitioner took the issue directly to the High Court that resulted in exposing the government. The Court, in its direct instructions, stated that the responsibility is of sub-divisional officers and SDPOs. The petitioner, while presenting his side, attached the advertisements and news articles as evidence. The news related to violation of loudspeakers’ volume limit in the coastal region were getting published frequently in the recent weeks.
The news also brought to light that hardly any action is taken against the violators and even if it is taken, it stays limited to only particular organisers. Rest of the organisers seem unbothered regarding following the rules on noise pollution. Few organisers’ behaviour would make one question whether they are even aware about the rules as they would advertise their parties so openly. Maybe they were under the impression that the government is incapable of taking action against them. However, there are always the wise ones ready to overpower the over-smart ones. A person filed a petition against the ongoing noise pollution in the court, a case which was taken by Adv Carlos Ferreira. He presented a list of such advertisements before the court. Court took notice of it and instructed police as well as deputy collectors to verify and inform regarding the action taken against such incidents.
The officials concerned will obviously take action as per the court’s instructions but, nothing concrete will happen as long as the police and organisers continue to share shady connections. The complaints are still made by locals to police regarding loud music being played post 10 pm, however, the music is stopped as soon as police reach the site. Needless to say that the news regarding police’s arrival arrives at the venue even before officers do, which is why no action is taken against the organisers.
The police should form flying squads to keep watch over the parties which take place at numerous places along the coast. The government should have no problem taking action against the violators as they are very much aware of where exactly these parties take place. These parties take place near the hotels so it is not really difficult to spot them. If police officials go to these parties in plain clothes they will get an idea of the nature of such parties.
Some years back, a similar incident had occured in Saligao where music was played on at unbearable decibels which upset the locals. People complained over and over again but no action was taken. At last, the news about these parties started appearing in newspapers, following which the police were forced to take action against the organisers. However, when they reached the site they did not find anything - the blasting music had been shut down.
These incidents are far more common. The complaints about noise pollution are indeed true but since the organisers are already alerted about the possible action they put off the speakers and save themselves from action. Indeed, the issue is not limited to only dance and music parties but there are other festivals where noise pollution is a norm.
It is true that these festivals are organised with legal permissions; however, there are certain restrictions. As per the Law, such festivals cannot be held after 12 midnight. Few years back a programme used to be held at Panjim’s Samba Square which would go well past 10 pm. Affected locals collectively complained against the programme which had to eventually shut down after 10 pm. Since the programme was happening in a place like Panjim it was impossible to keep it under wraps. However, such is not the situation in the coastal belt. The organisers put off their music systems as soon as they learn about the arrival of the police, which is why police must stay alert. They should not wait for the Court’s orders. Otherwise they themselves should set up a system to permanently shut down such incidents.
