Nightclubs offer dusk-to-dawn parties; locals raise concerns over unchecked nightlife growth, peace
MAPUSA
As the year draws to a close, the festive spirit in Goa’s northern coastal belt reaches its peak.
Tourists and party enthusiasts from across the globe descend upon the beach villages of Calangute-Candolim, Anjuna-Vagator and Morjim in North Goa’s beach belt, transforming the region into a pulsating party hub.
Restaurants and nightclubs cater to this influx with promises of electrifying celebrations that stretch well into the early hours of the morning.
Yet, amid the revelry, local residents find themselves grappling with sleepless nights and disrupted peace, raising concerns about the unchecked boom of nightlife activities.
A thriving nightlife scene
From Calangute to Anjuna, nightclubs and restaurants are bustling with events advertised as running from 9 pm to 1 am. In reality, many of these parties extend into the dawn.
The Dream Beach in Vagator is set to host “The Reset IV,” a New Year’s Eve celebration scheduled to run from midnight on December 31 to midnight on January 1, 2025.
Whether these events operate within legal bounds remains unclear.
The Goa government’s guidelines allow for extended hours of music only for religious events on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, yet restaurants and clubs often disregard these restrictions.
As a result, the region has become synonymous with unabated late-night parties, despite High Court rulings mandating compliance with noise regulations.
Activists, residents speak out
Local activist Desmond Alvares highlights a critical issue: “The relaxation of playing music on Christmas night and New Year’s Eve is strictly for religious functions. Nightclubs and restaurants are required to cease music by 10 pm.” However, these rules are flouted regularly, leaving residents in distress.
Jawish Moniz, another resident and campaigner against loud music, recounts how after-parties following a major electronic dance music (EDM) festival exacerbate the issue.
“Tourists flock to Anjuna-Vagator’s clubs, which blast music past 10 pm and continue until the morning. The noise levels are as disruptive as last year, even though the EDM festival has shifted to a distant village,” he noted.
Several clubs have faced legal actions and demolition orders. Yet, they persist in hosting events, taking advantage of the holiday rush and lax enforcement.
Helplessness amid inaction
Residents’ complaints often hit a dead end.
Agnes Monteiro, a long-time resident, expresses her frustration: “Some of these clubs operate within residential areas, causing immense inconvenience. Despite constant complaints, there has been no resolution.”
She adds that even efforts to call the police helpline (112) often fail, leaving locals with no recourse.
According to Sandesh Shetgaonkar of Morjim, a couple of restaurants were playing loud music much to the annoyance of the locals.
Similarly, in Calangute, the late-night revelry continued, leaving local residents resigned to the situation.
“This loud music is a regular occurrence during this time of the year. People tolerate it as part of the New Year celebrations,” said Premanand Diukar, a local resident.
In August, authorities directed at least 32 establishments to install sound monitoring systems.
However, many clubs and restaurants have yet to comply. This negligence underscores a troubling imbalance between commercial interests and residents’ rights.
A call for balance
While Goa’s vibrant nightlife draws tourists and boosts the local economy, it also poses significant challenges for its residents.
The blaring music, disregard for legal mandates, and lack of stringent enforcement leave locals bearing the brunt of this revelry. As clubs capitalise on the festive season to “rake in the moolah,” the voices of those who call these villages home remain unheard.
The ongoing clash between the party culture and local well-being underscores the need for a balanced approach.
Stronger enforcement of noise regulations, community dialogue, and responsible tourism practices are essential to ensure that Goa’s allure as a party destination doesn’t come at the cost of its residents’ peace and quality of life.
