
Team Herald
MARGAO: As the Carnival festival is around two months away and fearing the wrath of authorities and police coming down heavily on the use of sound by 10 pm, the directors of 'Zomnivele Khell', have made a fervent plea to the government for relaxation of time and sound permission during the festival period to stage folk plays during the period.
With the order on sound pollution casting a shadow on playing music and sound beyond 10 pm, directors of 'Zomnivele Khell' at a recently held meeting expressed their concerns, stating that obtaining sound permissions has become increasingly difficult, as show dates are often confirmed only at the last moment and have now called on the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) to present their grievances to the government, seeking a relaxation of this rule.
In the past, the issue had been addressed when Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira clarified that no license application or payment for sound permissions is required from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) if the crowd at the venue is fewer than 50 people. The rule stipulates that producers only need to apply for a license and pay the necessary fees when the audience exceeds 50.
Michael Fernandes, one of the actors of 'Zomnivele Khell,' emphasized the importance of the Carnival festival as a means to revive the age-old tradition of 'Zomnivele Khell.'
He urged the government to consider the challenges faced by directors regarding sound permissions and address the issue. "Our request to TAG is to bring this concern to the government and the concerned minister," he said.
Another director highlighted that, more often than not, the audience numbers exceed 50, and show dates are confirmed at the last minute, making it difficult to complete the formalities required to secure sound permission. "In these cases, we are unable to meet the necessary requirements for sound permits," he explained.
Anthony Barbosa, President of TAG, assured that the academy would take the necessary steps to address the issue. "TAG wants to alleviate the hardships faced by the 'Zomnivele Khell' directors and producers. We will raise this issue with the government soon," he said.
In the past, directors have had to apply for licenses and pay Rs. 3,000 in fees for each show held at every venue.
Zomnivelle Khell is part and parcel of Goa's rich culture and tradition and comes into play during the three day carnival festivities wherein the khells are staged on the ground in the villages and towns basically in South Goa during the festivities.