I am a visitor to Goa residing in an apartment in Miramar along the coastal road. During the early hours on Wednesday, November 14 at about 5 am I was woken up by loud bangs that sounded like explosions going off just outside the building where I am staying.
I jumped out of bed and went to the balcony to investigate what was going on. To my amazement, I saw a fireworks display taking place along the beach. I was taken aback by this and could not believe that this level of noise was permitted when most people are sound asleep. As the noise level was so disturbing and deafening I decided to report the matter to the police.
At 5.15 am I dialed 101 only to be informed that it was the Fire services and told to ring 100. After 4 attempts my call was finally answered by the police control room. I lodged my complaint and the person I spoke with, said that they would investigate what was taking place. At 5.40 I received a call from someone holding phone number +919518711660 who informed me that it was a Bihari Festival. On hearing this I was confused and asked the officer whether I was in Goa or Bihar. He informed me I was in Goa and that the Governor was there too and nothing further could be done.
Surely noise disturbance at this unearthly time needs to be addressed. If on the other hand there are laws to curb noise, I ask the question why the police are powerless or afraid to carry out their lawful police duties effectively.
