The High Court restrained authorities from granting any permissions to a resort in Ashvem to play loud music or host parties, stating that it repeatedly violated noise pollution rules. Authorities have also been asked not to grant any permissions to host events along the buzzing Anjuna-Vagator belt and observed that “there have been repeated violations along that area”.
Unfortunately, the court had to explain the significance of Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites besides making a point about their dwindling numbers. Furthermore, the court reminded authorities of how important it was to protect the nesting zones since there are very few such sites around the globe and sought the protection of “natural heritage”. Lest we forget, in January, an Olive Ridley turtle was seen making its way back to the sea at a turtle conservation site at Ashvem because of noise and tourism activity.
The court’s observation of Olive Ridleys reflects a concern not seen in authorities manning the beaches. How can one explain late-night parties with high-decibel music and blazing light effects in these restricted and peaceful areas? The scale of violations gives the impression that the entire sound monitoring machinery is compromised, and the rampant violations, especially in the sensitive zone of Mandrem, show where our interests are.
The court’s observation that consents to events are given at Anjuna and Vagator, overlooking previous breaches and FIRs, indicates that authorities care less for sound restrictions and high court interventions. An interesting observation made by the court is that the police cannot use the excuse of “no complaint, no action” in case of sound violations. This comes against the assumption of the police that they will crack down only if someone complains. That’s the level of enforcement against pollution.
Once again, the court has found the authorities napping on sound violations. The question is how long this will continue. It was barely two months ago that the court had come down heavily on sound violations along the north coastal belt. It sought compliance, and Goa witnessed a brief spell of peace, but the party din returned in quick time, and the peaceful Morjim belt bore the brunt again.
The lack of intent in curbing the sound menace is showing once again. Leave alone the beach areas of Anjuna and Vagator; night parties are going on unabated along the north coast, and the 10 pm deadline for loud music is virtually nonexistent any more. In addition, monitoring systems like server-based uploading have failed to take off, and the lack of coordination between various arms of enforcement stood exposed.
We hope that the court observations instil a sense of understanding of turtle nesting into the minds of authorities. The tall promises of carrying out awareness drives and installing signboards, moves of designated ‘no-take zones’ and setting up marine interpretation centres are pointless endeavours if parties are allowed within 100 metres of these restricted sites.
Our actions should reflect the respect and concern for ecology, the environment and the peace of the State, and right now, it is not showing. Sadly, the court has become the lone saviour.
