For Indian citizens it’s Independence Day, for techno party organisers in Goa it’s INDEPEN-DANCE day

BASURI DESAI

basuri@herald-goa.com

ANJUNA: Dozens of posters and flyers advertising techno parties on Independence Day have come up at every corner of Anjuna village, which have not only become an eyesore for the locals, but also raised concerns about the hardships they have to bear due to the blaring sound pollution that will be triggered by these parties.

The situation has become so severe that residents marched to the Anjuna Police Station demanding an end to these illegal parties, which create significant noise pollution in the surrounding villages.

Interestingly, Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Mapusa, Sandesh Chodankar informed that no sound permissions have been granted for the parties in Anjuna and Vagator.

Yet, music continues to be played by restaurants in these areas with complete disregard of the High Court orders, said local activist Ankit Salgaonkar from Anjuna.

Salgaonkar hit out at the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and the police for being “complicit bystanders” to the blatant disregard of High Court directives. He also criticised the local panchayat members for shielding such illegal activities in the village.

“Placing advertisements on government property, including electricity poles and public utilities, should be monitored by the concerned elected Panchayat members, not just by the police. Panchayat members are responsible for all illegal activities and late-night music,” he said.

The roadside advertisements indicate that the parties will start from August 14 and run until August 18, beginning after 9 pm and continuing into the next morning. One advertisement even boasts a party starting at 4 am. These organisers have reached new heights by advertising such events openly on social media.

According to locals, there are 12 establishments in Anjuna and Vagator that have constructed indoor discos, claiming they host the parties, but their capacity is no more than 70 to 100 people. These venues often start outdoor parties after midnight, which go on until morning and sometimes don’t stop at all.

Sanjay Narvekar, a local activist and business owner in Anjuna, said that the issue of these parties has been raised in gram sabhas, but nothing has been done. Numerous complaints filed with the police and other authorities have gone unanswered, he explained.

“This is an issue of our health, our businesses, and the future of our next generation. We are small-time businessmen. I run a guesthouse, but because of the loud music next door, nobody stays,” Narvekar said.

He also alleged a nexus between the police, politicians and party organisers.