Augusto Rodrigues
PORVORIM: It is common knowledge that many party spots in Anjuna-Vagator regularly flout noise pollution norms, caring two hoots about legal restrictions and a police crackdown. This was proven in the high court on Monday, when the state Pollution Control Board submitted details of how three establishments – Salud, Thalasa and Hilltop – flouted decibel restrictions in the festive season.
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What’s more, GSPCB Secretary Shamila Monteiro had sent an email to the Anjuna Police and the District Collector of North Goa on January 9, 2025, alerting them about the violations with a detailed report, and requested action on this.
The news has sparked frustration among local residents, who are calling for more immediate action to address the ongoing noise pollution. “The idea of live monitoring systems is to alert the police immediately so corrective actions can be taken quickly, so we can get back our sleep,” said Desmond D’Souza, a local resident, after the hearing for case CP 12 of 2023 was postponed to Wednesday. “But the noise continued through the festive season and nothing happened.”
The GSPCB’s report, which included noise monitoring data from Thalasa between December 19, 2024, and January 6, 2025, indicates multiple instances where noise levels exceeded the prescribed limits, particularly during the night. In a previous court order from December 18, 2024, the Bombay High Court had explicitly directed Thalasa to cease playing music, though it was allowed to continue operating as a restaurant.
Despite this directive, the GSPCB’s response to the violations has been criticised for delays. “Sending emails days after noise barriers have been broken makes no sense,” argued Desmond Alvares, the petitioner in the case. “The judges had made it clear that action should be swift, not delayed by nine days or more.”
Alvares also pointed out that the GSPCB failed to address the live monitoring system at the Diaz Pool Club and Bar, which had reported that its ‘mains have been disconnected’. This omission was notable in the GSPCB’s affidavit to the court.
“There were large-scale violations in Anjuna and Vagator during the festive season, and we need to determine which violations have been properly reported,” said Amicus Curiae Nigel Costa Frias, presenting his concerns to Justices M S Karnik and Nivedita P Mehta during the hearing.
In response to questions from Justice Karnik, Advocate General Devidas Pangam confirmed that a report was still being prepared and could be presented during the next hearing. Costa Frias also indicated that additional material evidence would be submitted for consideration.
