Anjuna: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday pledged to take action against those playing loud music post 10 pm near residential areas of Anjuna-Vagator, on Tuesday. However, his words rang hollow in the ears of the local residents, who questioned the timing of his comments. While the CM chose to remain mum on this critical issue all this while even when the media and activists were raising their pitch, he finally promised action soon after the announcement of schedule for Lok Sabha polls and end of the tourist season.
In his recent address at Anjuna amidst Michael Lobo, Delilah Lobo and incumbent North Goa Lok Sabha MP, Shripad Naik, Chief Minister Sawant assured the public of taking action through the police on a matter that has plagued residents for years. “I will direct the police to take action,” Sawant said.
As tourists and revellers in Goa partied hard and literally “made some noise”, people of Anjuna-Vagator have been suffering in silence. Residents have complained about loss of sleep and also problems that children face during exams. Though the CM has declared action this also speaks about the failure of the government machinery to address this issue effectively in the past.
Also, the timing of Sawant’s pledge, just ahead of the elections, raises questions about its genuineness. It appears more as a strategic move to sway voter sentiment rather than a genuine effort to resolve a long-standing problem.
The statement has received criticism from activists and concerned persons, who have toiled to keep noise pollution at bay. Social activist from Anjuna-Vagator, Ravi Harmalkar said, “Why does the Chief Minister have to direct the authorities to take action against the noise pollution?
This only means that the CM has failed to govern the State and protect the interests of the people.”
Sagardeep Sirsaikar, an activist who has filed numerous complaints regarding noise pollution and has taken the matter right up till the High Court is not amused with the assurance of the CM.
“Where was CM’s statement when we were presenting several memorandums regarding the noise pollution problem? It is just an election gimmick,” he said.
Crusader against noise pollution, Darshan Bhatia said, “I just find it ridiculous that somebody has to give a statement saying that they will implement the law. What were you doing all this while? The whole thing is about keeping people temporarily happy.”
