PANJIM: In complete disregard to the law and the top courts of Goa, the EDM clubs in Anjuna and Vagator have advertised of holding loud music parties all night long a up till January 1, 2024. O Heraldo has accessed some of the advertisements and posters of various clubs across the North Goa coastal belt.
These parties defying all the rules have advertised playing music till 6.30 am in the morning till January 1, 2024.
Noise pollution by deafening EDM parties across Vagator and Anjuna however is not a new phenomenon for the people living in these localities.
Locals informed that starting from December 23 there have been deafening parties in the Anjuna-Vagator areas and the authorities have not even blinked.
Crusader and petitioner in major noise pollution cases, Sagardeep Sirsaikar said, “These party organisers and the authorities are making the set rules and the orders of the High Court. Even the contempt petition looks like a joke. Neither police nor other authorities have attempted to stop the menace for the last three days. The parties are held way beyond the limit of 10 pm.”
Even after the Court coming down heavily on the polluters and the government machinery, there is no respite for the innocent residents of these localities.
Harassed by loud unpleasant sounds from the parties, at least three concerned Goans had approached the High Court with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). But the Court’s order has been blatantly ignored.
Arpora-based Darshan Bhatia, also a petitioner in noise pollution cases, said, “No punitive action has been taken against the offenders by the police. For this, even the administration should be held responsible. A Contempt petition itself means that there is a violation of orders. The last time Anjuna police stopped a noisy party was in January 2023. The writing on the wall is clear.”
Interestingly, the Goa Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has not confirmed if permission was given to even one of the parties that have advertised all night realty with DJs playing and chose to point out that the onus of taking action is with the Collector and his subordinate officers.
Chairman of GSPCB Mahesh Patil said, “Loud music cannot be played beyond 10 pm and with permissions for relaxation to cultural events till 12 pm. If someone is advertising about playing music till morning, then that amounts to violation. Action can be taken against them by the District Magistrate, Sub divisional Magistrate and also the Police,” he said.
