MAPUSA
The Chairman of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Mahesh Patil emphasised that the responsibility to act against clubs and restaurants violating mandatory noise curfews lies primarily with the police and the office of the Collector or Deputy Collector.
“The office of the Collector and the police can take action whenever they become aware of parties being planned beyond the mandatory hours,” Patil said adding, “the Board will definitely take action if someone plays loud music and will alert police officials concerned to act against the offending club”.
The Goan had reported how several clubs and restaurants in the Anjuna-Vagator coastal belt have been openly advertising late-night parties.
Many of these establishments have been promoting events featuring renowned DJs, with music slated to continue well past the stipulated 10 pm deadline.
For instance, on the eve of Goa Liberation Day (December 19), numerous clubs announced online that their parties would run from 8 pm to 5 am.
Similar promotions were observed for the long weekend from December 20 to December 22. These announcements have raised concerns among residents and authorities about the violation of noise and timing regulations.
A source in the Bardez Deputy Collector’s office revealed that clubs often apply for permission to play music, which is granted with strict conditions, including the requirement to stop music by 10 pm.
Despite this, many establishments appear to disregard these conditions, taking advantage of the limited enforcement mechanisms currently in place.
“The permissions come with multiple allied conditions, but it is disheartening to see them being blatantly ignored,” the source said.
Efforts to contact Deputy Collector Kabir Shirgaonkar for a comment were unsuccessful as calls to him went unanswered.
The issue has highlighted the need for better coordination between the GSPCB, law enforcement agencies, and administrative authorities to curb such violations effectively.
With Goa being a popular destination for nightlife and parties, the challenge remains to strike a balance between tourism and the well-being of the local population.
