PANAJI
Not too long ago, the High Court of Bombay at Goa reprimanded the Goa police for their perceived inaction in cracking down on noise pollution. This led to a few raids but subsequent care-a-damn attitude from nearly all the concerned authorities seems to have encouraged various late night party organisers to gear up for the upcoming season, fearless of the law.
The often abuzz Baga, Vagator and Anjuna -- synonym with trance music -- have succumbed to noise pollution and a myriad of legality issues stemming from the exuberant dusk-to-dawn parties along the shores.
Residents are bracing themselves for a recurring ordeal, with events like "Escapade Night" that starts Sunday evening and continues into the early hours of Monday. To be precise, as per their social media promo, the event starts at 8pm Sunday till 5:30am Monday. Quite a few parties were blatantly held on Saturday too.
"Hangover Sunday Escape," another Sunday event starts at 6 pm and ends at 4 am the following day. The disregard for peaceful coexistence is further underscored by "The Delhi Collective's" "Danza Drome Underground," which extended from 8 pm on Sunday until 4:30 am on Monday.
Noise pollution isn't the only concern; it has raised pertinent questions about the overall legality of these events such as permissions for the sale of liquor and adherence to Coastal Regulation Zone guidelines, and allegations on the use of contraband substances.
Even more concerning is that some establishments, already under scrutiny for lacking the necessary permissions to operate, are flouting the law by extending party hours and illegally selling liquor beyond their permissible limits. An event named Shuffle held at Siolim on Saturday has added to this troubling trend.
In May this year, the division bench of the High Court had made strict observations against the police while hearing a plea by a local who alleged rampant loud music in the Anjuna. He cited various social media advertisements and promotion campaigns by clubs and party organisers, promoting late hour music shows which stretched till early hours.
"If the DGP is indeed serious about the statements made by him in the affidavit before us that all steps would be taken to ensure that this menace of noise pollution beyond 10 pm is curbed, then, possibly, this is one occasion to make good this statement. It is for the DGP to consider whether the usual excuses about denials or some lip service by the police officer should be accepted or not," the Court had noted.
