The Anjuna-Vagator coastal belt, notorious for its nightlife and non-stop party nights, is once again geared up for a boisterous Independence Day weekend from August 14 to 17. While the celebrations are linked to ‘freedom and joy’ with promos going viral, for many residents, it signals another looming ordeal of sleepless nights, deafening noise, and a sense of helplessness. Yet again, all the assurances from the political leadership and judicial interventions aimed at curbing noise pollution appear to have failed.
Party organisers have gone to town with themed musical events spanning multiple days, showing complete disregard for the laws and the sound norms. Top clubs have announced plans, some promising “epic music,” “endless drinks,” and “the wildest celebration in town.” The promotional posters and social media reels are unabashed in their message: the more noise, the better. The flaunting of schedules and parties is shameful on the system, which pretends to be protective.
The High Court of Bombay at Goa, in its recent directives, laid down strict guidelines to control noise pollution, including a 24/7 complaint helpline, online noise monitoring systems, police inspections, CCTV surveillance, and legal action against violators. The Goa State Pollution Control Board, on paper, expresses readiness to monitor compliance, and police officials claim they are prepared to respond swiftly to complaints. All of this appears to be a farce, given the wide publicity for the events. And this is not the first time; such parties have been happening year after year, uncontrolled.
This chronic failure to enforce noise regulations points to a systemic issue. It reveals a growing tendency among authorities and lawmakers to prioritise the economic benefits of the thriving nightlife industry over residents’ right to peace. It also exposes the underbelly of a corrupt system where authorities are dragging their feet to enforce the law.
While legislators have debated relaxing sound restrictions in the just concluded Assembly session, with some advocating for the extension of permissible hours up to 1 am, there is little discussion on the impact of night parties on locals. The government’s consideration to approach the Supreme Court for review of the 2005 verdict and relax the 10 pm music ban reveals a preference for accommodating the party economy over safeguarding the environment and residents’ quality of life.
We are in the midst of a struggle because the law is ineffective due to a lack of intent. The protests and appeals haven’t helped either. Moreover, the political discourse has moved between promises of enforcement and empty assurances, often ignoring the fact that there is a visible lack of genuine political will to curb violations. The local populace, traditionally known for their hospitality and love of tranquillity, finds themselves increasingly marginalised in the churn of the party ecosystem.
As the Independence Day weekend approaches, the scene is set for a clash of priorities. For tourists and party enthusiasts, it is a weekend of freedom, pulsating beats, and revelry. For residents, it is a looming siege of sound that infringes on their right to peace. Unfortunately, people have no choice but to surrender to another high-decibel chapter as tourists break into the “freedom spirit”, trampling on the peace of citizens. The cries for 'freedom from noise' from locals have, once again, fallen on deaf ears.
