The Goa govern ment and the Goa State Pol lution Control Board (GSP CB) are facing mounting criticism over what many citizens describe as selective and inconsistent enforce ment of sound restriction laws, particularly the blan ket clampdown on playing music after 10 pm at wed dings and social functions. While authorities have justified the action as strict compliance with noise pol lution norms, the ground reality has triggered wide spread resentment, with residents, youth groups, and industry stakeholders questioning why small fami ly functions are being penal ised while large commercial events and influential or ganisers appear to operate with impunity. Local resident from Raia, Anthony Fernandes, said the directive has created confusion and anxiety, es pecially for families hosting weddings and traditional functions that are rooted in Goan social customs.
“In Goa, weddings usually begin late in the evening. Stop ping music at 10 pm disrupts our customs and celebra tions,” said Roshni Naik, a resident of Fatorda. She further added, “The problem is not small family functions, but loud parties that go on till early morning. Authorities should act against those who actually disturb the peace.” The hospitality and tourism sector has warned that the government’s rigid approach, coupled with uneven en forcement, risks damaging Goa’s reputation as a global destination for weddings and celebrations. “Goa is known globally for celebrations, weddings and nightlife. Strict enforcement without flexibility will affect event tourism and livelihoods,” said a hotel manager from Salcete. A wedding planner echoed similar concerns, stat ing, “Destination weddings are a major source of income. Clients are already asking if Goa is becoming too restric tive.” Youth groups have also joined the criticism, arguing that regulation has morphed into harassment when applied without fairness or transparency. “We support controlling noise pollution, but stopping all music after 10 pm is not practical,” said Lyold Dias, a col lege student from Margao. He questioned selective action, saying, “Small functions are targeted, but big event organ isers and commercial parties seem untouched even when they play loud music late into the night.” The perception that enforcement depends on scale, money, or influence has intensified public anger. Many al lege that the law is being used more as a show of authority than as a genuine tool to curb noise pollution. At the same time, senior citizens and residents living close to event venues have expressed firm support for strict enforcement, saying years of inaction have taken a toll on their health and well-being. “For years, we have suffered sleepless nights due to loud music,” said a 72-year-old resident of Benaulim. “The rules exist for a reason, and it is good that the government is finally enforcing them.” Another senior citizen remarked, “Health issues increase with lack of sleep. Peace at night is our right too.” However, even among supporters of the crackdown, there is a strong demand for uniformity. “Whether it is a wedding, party or commercial event, the law should apply equally to all,” said Diogo Fernandes, a senior citizen. Several citizens have called out what they see as admin istrative hypocrisy and urged the government to move away from arbitrary action. Suggestions include enforcing lower decibel limits after 10 pm, introducing transparent permission mechanisms for weddings, and cracking down decisively on habitual violators rather than penalising one off family events. “Dialogue is the need of the hour,” said a local social ac tivist. “The government must balance cultural traditions, tourism interests and the right of residents to a peaceful environment.” With no clear roadmap on exemptions, permissions, or uniform application of the law, many fear that noise pollu tion norms are being enforced not as a public good, but at the convenience of those in power.
