The High Court, on Wednesday, slammed government authorities for failing to address the brazen sound pollution happening along the coast and took cognisance of the several parties that have been advertised in violation of the prescribed restriction on loud music. The consistent pleas of ordinary citizens against noise pollution that have been falling on deaf ears have finally been heard by the court.
The High Court observed: "It is obvious that events and shows are held commercially, and no action has been taken against sound violations. The authorities must expedite the issue of sanction and acquisition of equipment because it is noticed that the violations of the Noise Pollution Rules are at their peak during the months of November, December and January. There is no point in locking the stables after the horses have bolted." The court directed that under no circumstances sound amplifying systems be used after 10 pm outdoors. It also asked petitioners that any information regarding shows violations should be directed to the SPs of North and South Goa in writing via emails.
The court has taken serious cognisance of the noise pollution, but questions linger over authorities going by the spirit of the observations. Goa has a law in place that is unfortunately not being upheld because the system manages the decibels in Goa's party zone. Can the court directives cleanse a system that has been muddied and compromised right to the core? Can one expect the same hardened authorities to change ways by compromising their interests? If yes, for how long?
It is heartening that the courts are taking up fundamental issues that, over the years, have piled on untold miseries and anxieties on the common man. The court has been the last frontier of hope for citizens whose sleep and peace have been regularly compromised. The line has been drawn, and petitioners have been asked to forward further complaints to the SPs of both districts via email.
Sadly, we are left at the mercy of a system that is playing to the tunes of tourism. There are stakes involved, and hence sound violations will always be music to the ears of law enforcement. The tragedy is that these parties are held with the blessings of authorities. It is not possible to hold extravagant parties that go on playing loud music till dawn the next day. Absolutely not possible.
So since the court has asked for compliance in the next hearing, we won't be surprised to see a new normal that may descend till then. And we will be surprised to see the old normal return after two weeks too. The hafta chain has a trail that cannot be dismantled overnight or over a few weeks; instead, it would need a sustained vigil and a robust redressal mechanism where individuals of authority are held directly accountable.
The festive season is on, and Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations are around the corner. There are no high hopes that distressed citizens will regain their peace, but the consolation is that the court has felt the pulse and plight of the people, and an effort has been made.
