PANAJI
The State government on Monday informed the High Court of Bombay at Goa that two nightclubs in Anjuna have been issued show-cause notices for violating permissible decibel levels while another club is facing a First Information Report (FIR) for playing loud music without permission.
The show-cause notices issued to Diaz Pool Club & Bar and Noah Goa are returnable within two days. Sangaria club, on the other hand, faces the FIR.
“Both clubs have been asked to respond to the notices within two days. In the third case, the Anjuna police seized musical equipment from the establishment playing music without permission. An FIR has also been registered against this establishment,” Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the Bench.
The High Court scheduled the next hearing for Friday, during which the State government and the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) are expected to submit further updates on the matter.
The Bench is hearing a contempt plea against noise pollution in Anjuna. Earlier in September, the Bench expressed dissatisfaction with the GSPCB’s corrigendum, which failed to specify a deadline for installing real-time sound level monitoring systems.
Meanwhile, the Amicus Curiae informed the Court about public inconvenience during the Narkasur event where loud music was allegedly played. A newspaper clipping was attached with the submission. While no arguments were made on this matter on Monday, it will be taken up on Friday along with the current plea.
“The government will review the details on the Narkasur event allegations and evidence and decide necessary action,” Pangam added.
In August, the AG informed the Bench that Goa police constituted three special teams under the SDPO Mapusa to patrol Anjuna as this coastal village records the most frequent noise pollution complaints.“If any violations are detected, these patrol officers, equipped with decibel meters, will take immediate action against establishments violating the permissible noise limits or playing music beyond 10 pm. Surprise inspections will be conducted,” the AG was quoted as saying, adding that SDPO already issued necessary orders.
