MAPUSA
In the backdrop of the BJP leader Sonali Phogat’s unfortunate death and the consequent police action against drugs, there was high expectation over the Friday’s meeting called by the deputy collector regarding violation of noise pollution and music along the coastal belt but unfortunately the meeting turned into a fiasco and proved to be an eye wash.
People affected by loud music expected the deputy collector and the sub-divisional magistrate, Gurudas Desai to take some proactive action against noise pollution but had to return disappointed.
According to a resident of Assagao, Desmond Alvares, the meeting focused more about copyright issues on music played by various nightclubs and shacks along the coast.
He said people who are responsible to issue the public performance licence (PPL) were present for the meeting and described to those present how the licences have to be obtained.
“When people raised the issue of noise pollution the deputy collector just brushed it off. He said the Pollution Control Board and police should look into the noise pollution aspect,” Alvares said.
Interestingly, the deputy collector had directed the Anjuna and Calangute Police to call the hotel owners/shack owners/bar & restaurant owners along the coastal belt for a meeting to specifically discuss on violation of noise pollution and music.
Owners of several hotels and shacks including Shiva Valley, UV Bar and Nine Bar were present for the meeting.
There was a lot of discussion on copyright of music but very little to nothing on loud music and violation of noise pollution.
A member of the noise pollution committee, Ranjana Saudhagar informed that loud music has disturbed life of the people along the coastal belt.
She said police do not attend to their complaints and further wanted the deputy collector to issue an order that loud music should not be allowed beyond permissible time.
“Calangute PI says they have no right to take action. When we call the DySP, he directs Calangute Police Station to act. When they come to the spot the music stops. But the moment the police leave the music starts again,” Saudhagar said.
She said the Deputy Collector just passed the buck on the police and refused to entertain their complaints.
