MAPUSA
The lockdown for several months had silenced activity along the Baga beach and allowed those residing around Baga beach to enjoy peaceful nights, but there are now complaints that the lifting of Covid restrictions has unlocked late-night music at some restaurants in the area, leaving many people to spend sleepless nights.
Among the worst affected is the Xavier Retreat House at Baga, with one of the resident priests Fr Cedric Fernandes even sending a letter to the Calangute police and other senior police officials highlighting the difficulties caused to four priests and two helpers in the Retreat House.
Fr Cedric Fernandes recently wrote to Calangute police that since the time restaurants have opened up, they have been facing the problem of blaring music at Baga beach by two-three restaurants.
“The music goes on till around 3 am and beyond, causing us sleepless nights. We are four priests residing here and two helpers. We need to get up early to say our daily Masses.”
“As per the Supreme Court ruling, all loud music should stop by 10 pm. After that, they can put soft music only within certain decimals,” said Fr Fernandes.
“It is only two-three restaurants that cause such nuisance, while the other restaurants normally close by 11 pm. We complained twice and the police came and told them to stop the music. We cannot go on complaining every day.”
“The Calangute police should take this matter up seriously and warn these owners playing blaring music till late into the night. If they still persist, their sound system should be confiscated or the license of restaurant should be suspended,” stated Fr Fernandes in his letter.
Later speaking to The Goan, Fr Fernandes said they had made repeated requests to the police to direct all restaurants to stop loud music after
10 pm.
“Despite constant requests and complaints to the police, the music goes on without any consideration to people residing around. The worse-hit are the Jesuit priests that reside at Xavier Retreat house Baga that face the brunt of the music,” lamented Fr Fernandes.
“The blaring music often begins only after 8.30 pm. Whenever we phone the police, the music stops. Are we supposed to phone every day? Why can’t the rules be followed by all,” asked Fr Fernandes.
“I suggest that authorities concerned should seriously warn all restaurant owners who play blaring music beyond 10 pm. If they don’t listen, authorities should either confiscate their sound or revoke back the license,” he added.
