ANJUNA/VAGATOR: Loud music and the use of structures for commercial purposes sealed by the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court at Goa have left locals in the northern coastal belt fuming.
“It is a shame and a pity. Shame because despite the promise by the Chief Minister, that, no loud music will be played, the authorities seemed to care a damn and a pity that the word given to us has no value,” stated Dr Inacio Fernandes, medical practitioner from Vagator.
“I remember the Chief Minister clearly saying that from tonight there will be no music played outdoors after ten pm and music played before ten pm will be within the limits set by the court. He promised to take strict action if the law was broken. It is sad that the authorities have no respect for his word,” rues Janice Crasto on whose presentation the assurance was given by the Chief Minister.
He recalled that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at a meeting in Anjuna (on March 19, 2024), said that no music will be allowed outdoors after ten pm and that music before ten pm would be allowed within the limits permitted by the Supreme Court
House of Chapora; Antisocial; Salud Goa; Saltamontes; and Vamos were some of the establishments that advertised their parties on Social media beyond the ten pm deadline when the Election Code of Conduct is in place. Most places indicated that their events started at 9 pm and ended after midnight.
“The authorities are aware that premises are playing loud music without any permission from the authorities and yet they are acting blind. Loud music is played so rampantly even during the Election Code of Conduct and nothing is being done,” laments Dr Fernandes who raises his hands in desperation.
If loud music has been haunting the residents in the northern coastal belt, the banned structures that the High Court has sealed are allowed to function has left many flummoxed.
“After sealing clubs like Vamos and Echo, the parties are still on, causing traffic jams thus indicating the number of people attending the parties. The main doors of both clubs are sealed but entry is from the side in both places,” discloses Michael Mendonca who thinks the government believes they can keep fooling people all the time.
“Most of these places that are operating illegally, employ all staff from outside Goa, and it is we Goans who have to suffer all through the night. The music may not be blasting as before but it is loud enough to disturb our sleep,” explains Mendonca.
If the people from Anjuna had been suffering due to noise pollution from many establishments that have no permission to operate, locals from Morjim will now understand the menace with “music from unauthorised outlets, which will make them run to the police for succour.”
“I have recorded so many complaints at the Mandrem police station but nothing has happened. The police come, reduce the noise for a while and once they go, it is loud music again,” complains Mayur Shetgaonkar from Morjim.
“The music is not only in residential area but in turtle nesting site that is against the law and yet, the authorities do not seem bothered,” moaned Shetgaonkar.
“The government has not kept its word in anything. It is thanks to the High Court that we are getting some respite. Thank God that we have a judiciary that understands our problems and steps in to help. Things improve only after the intervention of the judiciary right from loud music to even the illegal cutting of trees in Siolim,” concludes Rajesh Sinary from Anjuna.