The Goa Police and the Pollution Control Board submitted their action-taken report before the High Court in response to the compliance on sound restrictions. While departments impressed upon the court the measures each one has taken to ensure that the noise pollution regulations are strictly followed, a remote reality of the ground situation lay buried.
While the enforcement agencies have done a fairly good job along the Calangute-Baga beach belt, an area which was buzzing till early morning, they have surprisingly failed along the Anjuna-Vagator stretch, which is the nerve centre of rave parties. Despite the stepped-up vigil, the enforcement was unable to completely eradicate noise pollution. Ironically, party venues have found ways to bypass the system by playing loud music before 10 pm and resuming it at the crack of dawn. The early morning period is when party organisers have cashed on the laxity in vigilance. Also, there have been sporadic cases of music going well beyond 11 pm and the police failing to crack a whip, thanks to the strings attached.
The police bosses have been maintaining that there is strict enforcement of the sound ban after 10 pm. The problem, however, is that the crackdown is wavering from time to time. There is no consistency in approach, and one gets a feeling that the seriousness of the police will last as long as it is under the court scanner. Rather, the authorities are required to go with the spirit of the law, and not crack down to satisfy the court. If it is the latter, then nothing can save the situation.
Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral's plan to review sound pollution rules and ease timings from December 15 to 31 next year are welcome ideas because the 10 pm deadline is not practical from the business standpoint. Goa has come a long way, and so has tourism. However, there can't be wholesale compromises on the peace of ordinary citizens, and the government must dwell on this issue and do a delicate balancing act. The bottom line is that there has to be a water-tight system and thorough implementation. Let the businesses adhere to the timings and let the police do their job in all sincerity. Do not try to deceive the courts and the people of Goa.
While Cabral has spoken about the next year's festive season, there is a fear of regulations during the Christmas week running up to New Year and then again during Carnival. During this time, traditional programmes are held in villages, including the hosting of tiatrs; and Khell, the folklore of villages, entertain crowds throughout the day and till the wee hours of the morning. There has to be further clarity on relaxation for festive days and cultural events. Let's not look too far ahead into the next year. The problem is at our doorstep and needs to be resolved sooner with a clear mind.
