Should we take Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar’s word for it? Or should we give the complaints of noise pollution filed by locals in Morjim, Ashvem and Mandrem more weightage? Speaking to the media on Saturday, Parsekar said the complaints of loud music were an exaggeration and instigated by business rivalry. He said that on the way home he has to pass along the beach belt and on no occasion has he heard booming music. He also said that the settlement areas in these three villages are located away from the beach and the question of being disturbed does not arise. When the chief minister categorically says that there is no noise pollution along the beach belt the onus now lies on residents and anti-noise pollution organisations to prove him wrong. The government, by and large, has been implementing the stringent provisions on noise pollution with booming music being switched off after 10 pm. However, there are occasions when music is allowed to be played beyond that time and the cops look the other way. Violations can only be measured with the help of decibel meters and it is not clear if police personnel are equipped to ferret out the violators. Most restaurants, clubs and pubs have moved indoors in order to legitimately beat the system. Despite, the loud noise made by the tourism industry over the stringent provisions, the anti-pollution law is a boon for society and needs to be implemented without fear or favour.
