MAPUSA
Even as the North Goa Collector’s office held its first meeting last week to discuss the implementation of the High Court of Bombay at Goa’s directions on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning noise pollution, nightclubs and hotels along the coastal belt continue to play loud music well beyond the mandatory 10 pm deadline.
The meeting, chaired by Additional Collector-I Gurudas Desai, brought together deputy collectors from various talukas, block development officers, police representatives and members of the High Court-appointed noise committee.
The session was intended to review the court’s directions and address concerns raised by citizens about unchecked noise pollution, particularly from the State’s booming nightlife industry.
During the meeting, committee member Capt Gerald Fernandes (retired) stressed that the High Court’s directives should be implemented in a time-bound manner.
“Noise pollution is a cognizable criminal offence and FIRs must be registered accordingly,” he said, while also warning that disturbances from discos were closely linked to the rising drug and narcotics problem in the coastal belt.
Fernandes further suggested the mandatory installation of soundproof music technology in nightclubs, wedding halls and restaurants.
Another member, Antonio de Souza, highlighted lapses in how police handle complaints.
According to him, complainants are often asked to reveal the exact location of violations and are even called to the spot, exposing their identity to violators.
“This raises serious concerns about safety and confidentiality of citizens,” de Souza said.
He also pointed out that many coastal shacks and hotels operate with only a trade licence, bypassing the requirement of explicit permissions from sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs).
Suggestions were also made to share enforcement responsibilities between panchayats and police.
De Souza proposed that panchayats handle complaints received before 10 pm, while police tackle those after the deadline. However, other members disagreed, insisting that both agencies must work jointly.
The Block Development Officer clarified that panchayats currently lack enforcement powers, with the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Deputy Collectors/SDMs and SDPOs designated as regulatory authorities. Notably, no representative from the GSPCB attended the meeting.
Committee member Francoise de Souza recommended awareness drives and signages to highlight the issue, alongside media coverage to sensitize both locals and tourists.
Despite these deliberations, residents of Anjuna, Chapora, Calangute and Baga said the reality on the ground has not changed.
The Anjuna-Vagator stretch, considered the epicentre of Goa’s nightlife, remains plagued by loud music from clubs that run well past midnight, sometimes until dawn.
“There is no respite. Despite the High Court’s directions, clubs continue to blast music and authorities turn a blind eye. We have made several complaints but it has no impact,” said a resident of Anjuna who has struggled to sleep at night due to the noise.
Another local added that hotels and clubs take advantage of festivals and events to push the limits.
“Just a day ago, a hotel held a garba event that went on till the next morning,” he said.
The contradiction between administrative meetings and ground reality has left locals frustrated. While discussions on enforcement frameworks continue, the lack of visible action has emboldened establishments to ignore the law. Residents argue that without strict crackdowns, court orders will remain only on paper.
“The administration can hold endless meetings, but until authorities show the will to act, clubs will continue to flout rules and residents will continue to suffer,” said a local activist.
For now, the High Court’s directions on noise pollution seem to be caught in the gap between bureaucratic deliberations and actual enforcement, leaving North Goa’s coastal communities to bear the brunt of sleepless nights.
