Gen Secy of Shack Owners’ Society claims fierce competition fuels trend of playing loud music
MAPUSA
As the sun sets over the scenic Calangute-Baga coastline, the atmosphere comes alive with the sound of music pouring from over a dozen beach shacks in the area.
The vibrant beats create an electrifying ambience for tourists eager to revel in Goa’s famous nightlife.
However, for the locals and institutions nearby, the deafening volume has become an unbearable nuisance, especially for the Baga Retreat House, a centre dedicated to spiritual reflection and silent retreats.
Father Shannon Pereira, Director of Baga Retreat House, expressed deep concern over the issue, stating that the blaring music from 6 pm to 10 pm disrupts their serene environment.
“Although the volume reduces or stops after the mandatory 10 pm deadline, the hours leading up to it are terrible,” Fr Pereira said.
“The noise seeps through locked doors and windows, making it difficult for our participants to focus during their retreats. Some even struggle to find quiet corners within the retreat house to escape the overwhelming sound,” he added.
Residents have mixed reactions to the issue. Some argue that the sound primarily travels towards the sea, sparing residential areas behind the shacks. However, others believe locals refrain from complaining because many of them are directly or indirectly involved in the shack business.
General Secretary of the Shack Owners’ Welfare Society, John Lobo acknowledged the problem, attributing it to fierce competition among shack operators.
“Each shack wants to attract more customers and tourists prefer places with loud music where they can dance and enjoy. I remember trying to keep the volume low at my shack, but I soon noticed tourists flocking to the louder ones next door,” said Lobo, who operates a shack in Baga.
Lobo added that while the Tourism Department had recently issued a circular to regulate music levels, compliance was short-lived.
“For a few days, the sound was controlled, but soon, it was back to old ways. There needs to be some regulation on decibels,” he said.
“A complete ban on music is unrealistic, but at the same time, the volume shouldn’t disturb people’s peace. Right now, some shacks are playing music as loud as 100 to 150 decibels, which is far too excessive,” he added.
The permissible noise levels are governed by the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, which specify ambient air quality standards in respect of noise for different areas:
INDUSTRIAL AREAS: 75 dB during the day; 70 dB at night.
COMMERCIAL AREAS: 65 dB during the day; 55 dB at night.
RESIDENTIAL AREAS: 55 dB during the day; 45 dB at night.
The "day" is defined as 6 am to 10 pm, and "night" as 10 pm to 6 am.
Interestingly, not everyone perceives the issue in the same way.
Ranjana Saudhagar, a High Court-appointed monitoring committee member from Baga, reported no noticeable disturbances.
“There was no loud music as such. One or two shacks were playing music, but it was soft,” Saudhagar observed.
A local police source admitted to the ongoing noise issue but appeared constrained in enforcing regulations.
“We have to maintain a balance between sustaining the tourism industry and ensuring peace in the area,” the source said.
With authorities making occasional attempts to curb the noise, the battle between entertainment and tranquillity continues along Goa’s bustling coastline. For now, while tourists dance to the beats, locals and retreat participants are left yearning for a moment of silence amidst the chaos.
