AUGUSTO RODRIGUES
VAGATOR: Loud music could be heard from most units till 10 pm during the weekend in Anjuna and Vagator, and from then on, it could be heard from a few party spots, leaving the villagers concerned about their right to sleep.
“The High Court has not adequately addressed noise pollution during the day. There is a false notion that one can blast music and disturb others till 10 pm. Not true at all. The prescribed sound level limits are a bit higher from 6 am to 10 pm than the levels for the night time, but daytime rules need to be complied by all,” observed petitioner Darshan Bhatia.
“The Supreme Court has made it clear that timings are based on the legal principle that freedom from noise pollution is part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution. Noise is a form of pollution. The same as someone, blowing diesel fumes into your home. It is simply not acceptable,” added Bhatia.
With the Bombay High Court at Goa monitoring the levels of noise pollution within the jurisdiction of Anjuna Panchayat, most units playing EDM music switched to the high – low volume mode as the night wore on, with the elderly and children being made to beg for their right to sleep.
Evidence available with O Heraldo indicates that one call was made to 112 at 11.14 pm and the ID assigned to it was: 249548. The volume was initially lowered, but had crossed the 55dB levels prescribed by the Supreme Court soon afterwards.
“The way these clubs have been playing music this weekend gives me an idea that they are trying to test the seriousness of the government by teasing them by increasing and decreasing the volume after 10 pm. Before that, they seem to believe that they are within the law to blast music,” observed an amused Janie Crasto.
“The funny thing is that there are places playing loud music with no consent to operate from Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB). First, isn’t it the duty of GSPCB to see that such illegal units do not operate? On top, they are allowed to blast music?” questions Desmond D’Souza.
“I am sick and was approached by the DJ of House of Chapora to use my place. I didn’t know that he would end up misusing my place. I have demolished 80 per cent of my place and will finish the rest soon,” submitted Edwin Nunes, owner of Curlies, in whose place a demolition order is on and a party was held from early morning.
“It was obvious from the early morning traffic when I was going for mass that people were returning back from some party somewhere thus making it obvious that music is being played in total violation of Supreme Court law. I expect the Bombay High Court at Goa to bring these violators in line,” said Brigid Fernandes.