MAPUSA: Residents of the coastal villages of Morjim, Ashvem and Mandrem, haunted by the nerve-racking loud music parties, have now realised that the law enforcing authorities have turned “mute” despite several complaints.
It is pertinent to note that loud music parties and illumination along these coastal villages continue to disturb even the turtle nesting sites.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The locals of Ashvem and Mandrem opine that there is no point filing complaints against the organisers of loud music parties as the authorities have failed to initiate any action.
Denis Britto, a local businessman and Mandrem’s former panchayat member, who was running a restaurant and guesthouse near the Ukiyo Beach Resort, complained that he was forced to shut his business as the deafening music played by the resort made it difficult for his clients to spend even a single night in peace.
Britto said, “For 25 years, I operated a restaurant and guesthouse, but had to shut it on account of the loud music played by Ukiyo Beach Resort. It was difficult for me to survive. Several police complaints were filed, but in vain. I had to move out.”
Tushar Govekar, a resident of Mandrem said, “At this particular resort, parties commence at night and continue till early morning. This resort is run by a Delhiite, who has political backing and money power.”
Sudesh Sawant, a villager from Ashvem said, “Loud music has caused havoc in and around Mandrem. These clubs at Ashvem and many others that have come up are like sharks, as one cannot fight nor question them as the High Court directions have only remained on paper. No one actually adheres to them.”
“These days Mandrem has become famous for destination weddings. The hotelier has encroached upon the beach. School children and senior citizens suffer the most on account of loud music. In the name of tourism policy and sustainability, there is absolute destruction.”
Meanwhile, the members of Mandrem Noise Pollution Committee Nivrutti Shirodkar and Adv Prasad Shahapurkar denied receiving any complaint against loud music parties.
Shirodkar admitted that music parties continue, but there is no complaint from the locals.
According to sources, on Friday night when the party was underway at the Ukiyo Beach Resort, Pernem PI Dattaram Raut visited the site and stopped the party as he had received direction only to stop the party and not to initiate any action.
However, when O Heraldo Reporter contacted Pernem PI Dattaram Raut, said, “I have not received any complaint or come across any loud music party.”
Meanwhile, despite the Forest Department issuing a show cause directing the Ukiyo Beach Resort to stop the loud music parties, the resort launched a social media promotion on the parties scheduled to be held indoors on Saturday night from 10 pm to 7 am Sunday.
“The news of loud music played at Ashvem, Mandrem above the permissible decibels and beyond 10 pm and continuing till 6.30 am is disastrous for senior citizens and students, who are preparing for exams. It also destroys the surrounding fragile ecosystem which is a protected area for Olive Ridley turtles’ nests. Chief Minister and Forest Minister directed to shut down the music but the directions fell on deaf ears as the sound nuisance continued till 6.30 am. The question arises whether the State administration has collapsed and if a ghost authority is running the administration. The CM should clarify,” demanded Trajano D’Mello, President, Lokacho Aadhar, Saligao.
