MAPUSA
As nightclubs along the Anjuna-Vagator coastal belt gear up to cash in on the Independence Day weekend with parties and music events, local residents are preparing a peaceful protest to highlight what they describe as the continued violation of noise pollution norms.
Residents from Anjuna have announced a candlelight vigil at the Anjuna Police Station at 9.30 pm on August 14, calling upon villagers from across Goa to join the protest.
The initiative comes amid growing resentment among residents over loud music allegedly being played by nightclubs and entertainment establishments, particularly during late-night hours. The villagers maintain that repeated complaints to the authorities have failed to bring about any meaningful action.
“There has been no action by Anjuna Police for the last one year. Hence, there will be action by villagers from all over Goa,” a local resident said.
The organisers have launched a social media campaign urging residents of the coastal villages to participate in the peaceful vigil.
They have also appealed to the parishes of Anjuna, Vagator, Siolim, Assagao and Badem to extend their support to the protest.
Residents said the vigil is intended to remain peaceful and is aimed at sending a message to the authorities that villagers will no longer remain silent spectators while rules governing noise pollution are allegedly flouted.
“We have had enough of these nightclubs blasting music and inconveniencing local residents. The authorities have failed to take action despite repeated complaints. It is time for us to take action peacefully,” said Roysal D’Souza, a resident who has been actively campaigning against noise pollution in Anjuna.
The proposed vigil comes at a time when several establishments in the Anjuna-Vagator belt have announced special events and extended celebrations for the Independence Day weekend, raising concerns among residents about possible violations of prescribed noise limits and late-night restrictions.
Residents have urged the police and other enforcement authorities to ensure that noise pollution regulations are strictly enforced during the weekend and that complaints from affected residents are acted upon promptly.
