Nine days after the High Court of Bombay at Goa disposed of Contempt Petition 12 of 2023 concerning noise pollution, residents in Baga and Vagator say sleep continues to be a luxury as several nightclubs blatantly ignore Supreme Court directives to curb noise levels.
“There are days when sleep is possible and days when it appears nothing has changed. It was quiet last night, but I got up early in the morning to loud music,” complained Janie Crasto from Vagator, who has been fighting for years to ensure her differently-abled son gets undisturbed rest.
While Crasto is cautiously hopeful, Fr Shanon Pereira, Director of the Xavier Retreat House (XRH) in Baga, is frustrated. He believes that beach shacks in the area act as if they're above the law.
At 21:35 hours on Saturday, loud music was heard outside XRH, with the decibel meter recording an average of 100dB from about 500 metres away from the nearest shack.
“Dear User, Your request to 112 is registered with EventId:306988. Thank you for contacting 112-112ERSSIN,” read a message Fr Pereira received at 19:50 hours, which he shared with OHeraldo.
“I have been complaining every day. There are days when I send the video recording to the Calangute Police Inspector, the music stops. But there are other days when the noise goes on. Why should I be complaining every day when they are not allowed to play loud music at all?” he asked.
In Vagator and Anjuna, locals had a brief respite but were jolted awake after midnight. As rain clouds burst over the villages early on Saturday morning, loud music resumed with renewed vigour.
Venues like Raeeth, Noah, Dynamo, Café Co2, and Titlie in Vagator roared to life after midnight, with sound levels recorded at an average of 102 dB near the closest residences.
“This is just the beginning. There are places that are openly advertising parties beginning at 10 pm when the Supreme Court of India orders are clear that no music can be played in any non-soundproof place after 10,” said senior citizen Alex Noronha.
In Anjuna, Diaz Club—despite being sealed twice by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and facing an FIR filed by Anjuna Police during the contempt proceedings—was reportedly blasting music till early morning, with guests still arriving after 1 am.
“My daughter has exams, and it is impossible for her to study. No one seems to care. I am fed up complaining because all my complaints seem to fall on deaf ears,” said Agnes D’Souza, who lives at the foothill of the club.
“I have not yet joined Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and am not sure when I will be joining and hence am unable to comment,” said Levinson Martins, recently appointed chairman of the GSPCB.
“I am not hundred per cent sure, but I think they (Diaz Club) have got a stay on our demolition notice. I will have to re-confirm,” said Anjuna Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar.
The High Court, in its Order dated July 23, 2025, stated in point 8:“Every establishment playing music shall display a board which makes use of its location in open air while using amplifiers, shall display the warning as regards the maximum decibels which are permitted in the said area and also indicate that any violation of the noise level resulting in pollution will call for penalty.”
However, no such boards were seen displayed at Dynamo, Raeeth, Titlie, Café Co2, Noah, or Diaz Club during visits conducted between Friday night and early Saturday morning.
Despite the High Court of Bombay at Goa sending a clear message to the State government and tourism stakeholders that the health of local residents cannot be compromised to entertain tourists, the government has once again urged the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to revise the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, citing growing challenges faced by the tourism industry.
According to a reply tabled in the State Legislative Assembly, in a letter addressed to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasised the central role tourism plays in Goa’s economy.
“Tourism is the backbone of Goa’s economy and a primary source of livelihood for the local population. With annual tourist footfalls reaching 8 million—compared to a resident population of 15.5 lakh—the sector generates both direct and indirect employment for nearly 35% of the State’s population,” he wrote.
The Chief Minister highlighted that tourism significantly contributes to revenue across hospitality, transport, entertainment, and retail sectors, with its multiplier effect boosting several ancillary industries and enhancing Goa’s overall economic output.
He also noted that tourism is a key contributor to the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The limitation on playing music beyond 10 pm is driving tourists, wedding planners, and event organisers to alternative destinations in Southeast Asia, where noise norms are more relaxed—allowing music until 1 am and sound levels up to 90 dBA during the day and 70 dBA at night,” he added.
Earlier in 2023, with late night music events reined in during the Christmas and New Year weeks and several high profile music festivals having to shut down early due to the High Court's strict directives, the Goa government had sought relaxations from Central government to the Noise Pollution Regulation and Control Rules, 2000, and the creation of special entertainment zones citing interests concerns of the State tourism industry and promotion of local festivals.
Venues like Raeeth, Noah, Dynamo, Café Co2, and Titlie in Vagator roared to life after midnight, with sound levels recorded at an average of 102 dB near the closest residences.
“This is just the beginning. There are places that are openly advertising parties beginning at 10 pm when the Supreme Court of India orders are clear that no music can be played in any non-soundproof place after 10,” said senior citizen Alex Noronha.
In Anjuna, Diaz Club—despite being sealed twice by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and facing an FIR filed by Anjuna Police during the contempt proceedings—was reportedly blasting music till early morning, with guests still arriving after 1 am.
“My daughter has exams, and it is impossible for her to study. No one seems to care. I am fed up complaining because all my complaints seem to fall on deaf ears,” said Agnes D’Souza, who lives at the foothill of the club.
“I have not yet joined Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and am not sure when I will be joining and hence am unable to comment,” said Levinson Martins, recently appointed chairman of the GSPCB.
“I am not hundred per cent sure, but I think they (Diaz Club) have got a stay on our demolition notice. I will have to re-confirm,” said Anjuna Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar.
The High Court, in its Order dated July 23, 2025, stated in point 8:“Every establishment playing music shall display a board which makes use of its location in open air while using amplifiers, shall display the warning as regards the maximum decibels which are permitted in the said area and also indicate that any violation of the noise level resulting in pollution will call for penalty.”
However, no such boards were seen displayed at Dynamo, Raeeth, Titlie, Café Co2, Noah, or Diaz Club during visits conducted between Friday night and early Saturday morning.