AUGUSTO RODRIGUES
VAGATOR/ PORVORIM: The fight against persistent noise pollution in Vagator and Anjuna took an unexpected turn when the Goa government, on Monday, joined petitioner Desmond Alvares in abruptly rejecting Janie Crasto as a member of the Noise Monitoring Committee (NMC), leaving local residents shocked and disappointed.
The government had initially approved Crasto’s appointment but later reversed its decision. Advocate General Devidas Pangam defended the move, stating, “There will be a conflict of interest if she is made a member, as she has previously filed complaints against establishments playing loud music. Hence, it would not be fair to have her on the committee.”
The sudden reversal has fueled concerns among residents who had welcomed her selection. “When her name was accepted, we saw a ray of hope. Now, with her removal, I fear the High Court may have to take a stronger stance,” said Sheryl
D’Souza.
Crasto, however, remained resolute. “The people of my village know what I stand for. When you are good, the bad will always get upset. When I learned my name was accepted, I saw it as an act of God. I will continue to ensure that the less fortunate, the sick, and the elderly can sleep peacefully,” she asserted.
Amicus Curiae Nigel Costa Frias had initially proposed Janie Crasto, Jeremy Ferreira, and Inacio Fernandes for the NMC. The government immediately rejected Ferreira and Fernandes but accepted Crasto. However, the situation took a surprising turn when petitioner Alvares objected to her appointment, leading to her removal. Alvares attempted to persuade the Amicus Curiae to reconsider, but Costa Frias remained firm in his support
for Crasto.
When contacted, Alvares told O Heraldo, “She was incapable of dedicating her full time to the role, and she is also associated with tourism.”
The High Court intervened, with Justice M S Karnik urging the Amicus Curiae and the government to consider candidates from outside Anjuna and Vagator. “If no one from the village is accepted, then find someone who is honest and independent,” he advised. The court was also informed that two proposed candidates, Govind Dhargalkar and John Logan D’Souza, were deemed unsuitable.
Meanwhile, former NMC member Domingos Pereira had declined reappointment and suggested a non-practicing advocate from
Calangute.
However, Alvares objected, arguing that Pereira himself had been removed for living three kilometers away from the affected area.
Local residents, many of whom have endured relentless noise pollution, expressed frustration over recent developments. “It’s disheartening that Alvares opposed Janie. She was our best bet, and through her, we saw a bright light,” said Agnes D’Souza from Anjuna.
Despite ongoing monitoring by the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court, several establishments in Anjuna and Vagator continue to violate Supreme Court orders prohibiting loud music after 10 p.m.
“I fear stepping outside because I don’t know when I might be attacked. I sit alone, repeatedly filing complaints on emergency helpline 112, yet nothing changes,” lamented Avelin Fernandes, who alleged that a nearby nightclub owner attempted to silence her protests.
Amid mounting concerns, Jeremy Ferreira, one of the initially proposed candidates, emphasized the need for local representation. “Someone from our village who has suffered due to the noise should be part of the NMC,” he insisted.
“I had nothing against Janie. She was an excellent choice, and I don’t understand why she was opposed,” Ferreira admitted.
“If no one in the village is deemed capable of serving on the committee, the next best option is to appoint honest outsiders,” said Desmond D’Souza.