MAPUSA
The noose is tightening on Anjuna’s notorious nightclubs and restaurants for blaring loud music and flouting noise regulations.
In a significant move aimed at curbing noise pollution in the bustling Anjuna coastal belt, the State administration has ordered the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras across all restaurants, nightclubs and beach shacks in the area.
The directive, issued by North Goa Additional District Magistrate Mahadev Araundekar, comes amid growing public outrage and legal scrutiny over rampant violations of noise regulations.
The action is part of a broader effort to address persistent complaints from local residents and citizens’ groups, who allege that loud music played at high decibel levels during late hours is disturbing public peace and violating the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
In an affidavit submitted to the High Court, Araundekar stated that tourism authorities have been instructed to issue a circular mandating all establishments in Anjuna to maintain CCTV footage backup for a minimum of 30 days.
The footage must be stored either on a hard disk or a cloud-based platform, ensuring it can be accessed by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and local law enforcement agencies upon request.
This move will improve transparency and allow real-time verification of complaints. “Establishments violating the norms will no longer be able to evade accountability,” said an official responsible for granting music permissions.
The directive applies to all commercial establishments, including nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and beach shacks, which are often accused of playing amplified music well beyond the permissible time and volume limits.
Residents of nearby villages such as Vagator, Assagao and Chapora have long complained of sleep disruption and quality-of-life issues, especially during the tourist season.
Adding teeth to the enforcement mechanism, Araundekar confirmed that Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) have been ordered to register FIRs promptly upon receiving credible complaints related to loud music.
The High Court of Bombay at Goa, which is hearing a contempt petition on noise pollution in coastal areas, has taken serious note of the State’s lax enforcement. During recent hearings, the court has emphasised the need for a permanent and enforceable system to prevent nightclubs from creating a public nuisance under the guise of tourism.
