CHAPORA (BARDEZ): The High Court, whose doors were continuously knocked, even as its orders in sound pollution and loud parties were continuously violated, had said in its order on May 3 that the police seem to be most reluctant in controlling the noise pollution violation.
More than three months later, nothing seems to have changed, if at all. But let’s move away from what’s happening in the Courtrooms and go to the ground. In homes in the villages of the Northern coastal belt their way of life, their peace, and even their livelihoods are being taken away, party by party
There’s a venue in Chapora that calls itself a ‘House’. But many locals lament that its music had caused distress to many homes.
“The loud music played by the venue located at Chapora Jetty reaches across the river. My children struggle to wake up the next morning because of the disturbed night. Loud music which commenced at midnight continued till 8 am,” complained a local businessman from Morjim.
“This issue with regards to loud music is pending for a long time and will not be solved as the authorities earn income from such parties. The government gets tourists who want loud music, drugs and prostitution. When we call the police, they reach the spot, the music stops but commences once they leave,” Ravi Harmalkar, a social activist, said.
The elderly are disturbed and cannot go out, young adults working for international companies are unable to do video conferences and call due to the sound literally blasting their walls, getting medical help is difficult and above all both their quality of life and their sense of security have been pounded by these parties and music all illegally played.
“I wrote letters to Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), excise, tourism and others because these premises operate without any permission. Who is going to keep a check on them? The system in the Anjuna belt has collapsed while the government talks about quality tourism,” Harmalkar added.
Along with other venues, the three premises which were supposed to remain sealed continued playing loud music, as the authorities including the Goa State Pollution Control Board failed to initiate action against the violators.
When contacted, a member of the Anjuna Noise Pollution Committee, Devanand Shirodkar, refused to speak on the matter.
