No fines imposed on erring beachside venues
MAPUSA
Repeated breaches of noise pollution rules by several well-known beachside nightclubs and restaurants along North Goa’s coast have come under scrutiny, with official data showing hundreds of violations and little strict action.
Data from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) reveals that many prominent establishments have exceeded permitted sound limits numerous times, often repeatedly. This suggests that loud music continues well beyond allowed levels.
Among the worst offenders is Kiki By The Sea (Tomatos Beachside Kitchen and Bar), with outlets in Assagao, Candolim and Morjim, which recorded 182 violations. Sibaya Beach Resort in Morjim reported 172 cases.
Other establishments with high numbers include Azule Ocean Front in Mandrem (150), Marbella Beach Resort, Mandrem (128), and Tamalisto Resort, Morjim (102). These figures show a clear pattern of ongoing non-compliance rather than isolated incidents.
Popular venues in the Anjuna–Vagator area were also found violating norms. Salud Kitchen & Lounge recorded 30 cases, Thalassa Cliff in Anjuna 75, Anahata Retreat in Mandrem 98, Regalia in Mandrem 33, Amadi 6, and Soro in Assagao 3.
Exceedances refer to instances where sound levels go beyond limits set under environmental rules.
The issue is worsened by poor data reporting. At least 16 establishments failed to send sound monitoring data to the Board on several occasions. Dallas Beach Resort in Mandrem and Kolesso 24x7 Bar & Restaurant, Mandrem each failed to submit data 154 times, raising concerns about monitoring and accountability.
Other venues that failed to send data include Dynamo in Vagator (3), Raeeth (5), Diaz in Anjuna (29), Noah in Vagator (12), Romeo Lane (25), Hilltop Bar & Restaurant (5), Purple Martini 1.0 (4), Purple Martini 2.0 (2), and House of Chapora (1).
Despite the scale of violations, enforcement appears limited. The GSPCB said closure orders were issued to a few establishments, including Salud Kitchen & Lounge in Anjuna, Hilltop Bar & Restaurant in Vagator, Kiki By The Sea in Assagao, and Tomatos Beachside Kitchen and Bar in Morjim.
Show cause notices were also issued to 28 nightclubs and restaurants across Anjuna, Vagator, Mandrem, Arpora, Morjim and Chapora.
However, the Board confirmed that no fines have been imposed on any of the establishments.
The data points to a worrying trend where repeated violations face little punishment, allowing establishments to continue breaking noise rules.
The lack of financial penalties has raised concerns about whether current enforcement measures are strong enough to control noise levels in Goa’s busy beach nightlife areas.
