FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2024
Team Herald
ANJUNA: Despite the High Court directive banning loud music after 10 pm, the show doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon- at least going by a spate of invites and posters of massive outdoor music parties and more witnessed on social media and reported by those who are giving it their all to stop noise pollution, especially buoyed.
Several parties in Vagator, Anjuna, Morjim and Mandrem were scheduled on the intervening night of December 3 and 4 while several others have been scheduled in the days to come. A poster of one such party having its venue as Vagator, Anjuna has stated that the party will be on till 6 am the next morning, which is in clear violation of the High Court directive.
Said Arpora-based anti-sound pollution crusader Darshan Bhatia, “I have seen posters of events in major on the beach clubs featuring various DJs, etc, belt at Rs 15 lakh a table. While I don't really care about whether a table costs Rs 15 lakh or a crore, I wonder if the High Court’s orders will be complied with. It seems that if these events are being organised and money is being collected, there is no way they can or intend to stay within the ambit of the law, especially with an outdoor venue.”
Bhatia also added another event at Arpora Hills is being advertised yet again for an event on December 9.
The party only begins at 8 pm, he added. “Do these venues have permission before 10? Will they shut at 10 pm? Do the police intend to take any action?” asked Bhatia
Meanwhile, the residents of Mazalwaddo in Assagao have complained that a restaurant, which is converted into an outdoor nightclub, plays loud music throughout the night, disturbing the peace of the villagers.
Advocate Alok Gupta said, “The venue is back with very loud music. This place which was supposed to be a 150-seater restaurant has been converted into a nightclub. They had loud throbbing music past 11 pm last night disturbing the peace of the villagers.”
Though there are no events taking place at present, Arpora residents are worried about the events scheduled next week.
Meanwhile, when contacted Anjuna PI Prashal Desai said, “We have completely stopped outdoor parties. Only indoor ones are allowed. If any such outdoor party comes to our notice we will definitely act.”
Pernem PI Dattaram Raut said, “The loud music parties are completely banned in my jurisdiction. I have taken an initiative and directed the stakeholders to abide by the law. The police will definitely act if any such party is allowed after 10 pm.”
But going by the announcement of events, the line-up foreign DJs, and the high cost of entering, these events are hardly sundowner picnic.
