MAPUSA
“Ami soglim dhavun ailam, police-ank magunk aialam, mhaka saiba vat dakhoi, mhaka saiba jem podonam.
Ya avazak lagon soglim ektai zaleaum (2)
Yo re saiba, oi re saiba (2)…”
The familiar strains of an age-old Goan dekhni echoed through the late Sunday evening air as the people of Anjuna and Vagator gathered once again to voice their frustrations.
But this was no ordinary performance; it was a plea.
The song, traditionally a joyful dance, was now a powerful vehicle for protest, with its lyrics cleverly adapted to reflect the ongoing struggle against the relentless blare of loud music that has plagued the area.
THE FIFTH MARCH
Late Sunday evening, a group of concerned residents, candles in hand, marched to the Anjuna Police Station. It was the fifth such demonstration, a continuation of their determined efforts to bring attention to the issue that has disrupted their lives for months.
The iconic Dekhni, “Hanv Saiba Poltoddi Vetam” was transformed into a protest anthem. The original lyrics, which speak of a woman seeking the guidance of a sailor to cross a river, were replaced with lines that highlighted the community’s desperation for police intervention.
The refrain, “Yo re saiba, oi re saiba,” resounded with a new urgency as the people demanded action.
Despite the community’s repeated efforts, including a peaceful four-day march to the police station during the Independence Day weekend, the situation remains unresolved.
The noise from parties and events continues to disrupt the tranquility of the region, affecting the lives of residents, many of whom are elderly or have young children.
One of the protestors, a long-time resident of Anjuna, expressed her frustration: “We have approached the authorities multiple times, but nothing has changed. Our nights are sleepless, our peace is shattered. We are not against tourism or celebrations, but there has to be a balance.”
FRUSTRATION AND DETERMINATION
This gathering was not just a protest; it was a call to action, a reminder to the authorities that the community’s spirit remained unbroken despite repeated disturbances.
A resident of Vagator, Jawish Moniz explained the essence of their gathering. “It’s obvious that we cannot come out every single day to wake up the authorities. But most people who gathered at the police station are a determined lot. They say every time there is noise we will come out,” Moniz recounted.
The solidarity among the locals was palpable, driven by a shared frustration over the unchecked loud music blaring from nearby clubs and restaurants.
Darshan Bhatia, one of the petitioners against the noise pollution in the High Court, echoed this sentiment.
“After the four-day candlelight march, things got better, but it has gone back to the old ways. In Anjuna-Vagator, the nuisance is rampant and loud,” he said, demonstrating how a noise level meter works.
Bhatia even volunteered to donate two such devices to the Anjuna police, underscoring the simplicity of enforcement.
“All the police have to do is go to the site, measure it, and if it exceeds the mandatory decibel, they have to book a case,” he added.
However, the frustration among locals was not just about the noise, but also about the perceived inaction by the authorities.
PLEA FOR ACTION
A resident of Piqueno, Anjuna, shared his ordeal, recounting how the police often shift the responsibility to the locals, asking them to identify the offending clubs.
Despite repeatedly alerting the authorities, action was rarely taken. “One night out of desperation, I took a pillow and threatened to sleep at the police station,” he said.
His protest worked, and now, he’s ready to do it again if necessary and asked those interested to join him.
The persistence of these residents finally saw a response when the new Anjuna Police Inspector, Suraj Gawas, arrived at the police station late at night.
“Bhivpachi garaz na. We will take action as per the law,” PI Gawas assured the crowd after listening to their grievances.
As the candles flickered and the adapted lyrics rang out, the message was clear: the people of Anjuna-Vagator will not be silenced.
Their calls for peace and quiet, for the simple right to enjoy their homes without disruption, continue to resonate.
Whether the authorities will finally heed their cries remains to be seen.
