Team Herald

PANJIM: National Green Tribunal (NGT) declined to grant relief to two locals who had sought a permanent ban on hosting of mega events like Sunburn in a property at Anjuna. The Tribunal also refused to direct the authorities concerned, corporate bodies and individuals to grant them compensation of Rs 1 crore for previously held musical shows at the venue. 

However, it has laid down guidelines to be followed by the local authorities and event organisers for holding any such events in future. 

“We reject the plea for grant of injunction and awarding of compensation,” the bench comprising Justices U D Salvi and Dr Nagin Nanda stated, laying down conditions for future events in the Anjuna property. “Whenever any such events/festivals are organised, the organisers shall ensure that permission so granted to that effect is widely published and posted on the website at least 15 days in advance. The organisers shall maintain all norms observance to with respect to Noise Pollution Rules 2000 and Solid Waste Management Rule 2016,” it said. 

Similarly, Goa Pollution Control Board, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, Department of Tourism and local body/municipalities have been directed to maintain regular vigil and undertake/perform functions as prescribed under their area of jurisdiction as per law. “In case permission is granted for hosting of event or festival in the said area the licensee holding such permission shall strictly abide by all terms and conditions stipulated for grant of such permission and restore the area used back to its original position. 

Any default in this regard shall make the organiser of such event liable to pay environmental compensation,” the order states. 

Applicants Desmond D’Souza and Jayprakas Sirsaikar of Anjuna, had moved the NGT seeking permanent injunction, restraining hosting of ‘Sun-Burn’ celebration or any such event(s), etc.

They had also sought compensation of Rs 1 crore from the respondents, corporate bodies and individuals, arranging such event(s) and restoration of the property to its original position. 

They submitted that certain properties in the village were reserved for grazing of cattle, goats belonging to the people in the name of comunidade. Alleging illegalities by the authorities, they said the properties were not permitted to be used for any other purpose or commercial activity without consent of the members of the comunidade.

 as per the procedure contemplated under provisions of the Code of Comunidades.