Goa is midway into the tourism season, and with the ongoing festive season in full flow, the focus has shifted again to noise pollution. While the debate emerged again of clubs and party establishments in the coastal north defying music regulations, the move by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to crack the whip along the Anjuna-Vagator-Siolim belt and penalise prominent clubs violating sound laws is welcome. Several establishments were penalised for playing loud music beyond permissible hours, licences of three prominent clubs were revoked and four others were ordered to halt operations.
The question however is whether such action can deter habitual offenders. Ironically, umpteen gram sabhas, public gatherings, candlelight marches, silent and vocal protests and even court interventions have not helped bring down the decibels. Residents have long suffered and their complaints are often drowned out by the cacophony of music echoing from nearby clubs and bars. As tourism becomes an increasingly significant driver of the State’s economy, the onus is always on authorities to ensure that the allure of nightlife does not overshadow the everyday lives of its citizens.
The board’s decision to slap closure notices on venues that do not comply with noise regulations demonstrates a commitment to enforcing sound environmental policies that affect public health and well-being. The move to pull up a prominent club at Vagator, over the improper installation of its Online Noise Monitoring Station resulting in transmitting inaccurate sound data, is welcome. This highlights a systemic issue which requires establishment owners to take regulations seriously. The action is encouraging no doubt, but what about the others? Such strictures cannot be restricted to just a few clubs or venues. The northern coastal belt is teeming with hangouts -- from Candolim to Morjim, where loud music has no boundaries. There are over a thousand joints small and big that flagrantly violate the laws. How does that happen?
The GSPCB’s move signifies a willingness to hold businesses accountable for their environmental impact. The implementation of stricter penalties for violations—proposed to increase from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 per day is another welcome idea that reflects an intent to penalise offenders. But is that enough to disincentivise establishments that disregard noise regulations?
In current times, nightlife has been an integral part of Goa’s tourism; it attracts tourists and supports local economies. However, as the State evolves, so must the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism. This includes considerate measures that safeguard the rights of residents to enjoy their homes free from disruptive noise. The GSPCB’s actions are a step in the right direction, fostering a dialogue about responsible enjoyment of nightlife while ensuring that the rights of those living nearby are respected. The only worry is about action being inconsistent, as seen in the past. Drives undertaken by police in the past have lost steam in the din of the night in a matter of days.
As the adage goes -- it takes two to tango, sound violations cannot be handled by mere interventions of the board. There are thousands of hotspots along the coastal belt playing unhindered music from dusk to dawn, and they still get away with that. Enforcement has to play a proactive role, diligently follow court directives, and show an unflinching commitment to the menace at hand. It is an open secret that nightlife is driven by money power and this has been the stumbling block. Notices and piecemeal action may eventually change nothing.
