PANAJI
Tourists are flocking the northern coastal belt in large numbers and yes, the State is buzzing all through the day and night. The nightclubs, pubs and mega show organizers are making the best use of this opportunity to up their revenue.
Amid all this, the question arises if anyone has given a thought about the problems that residents are facing. The blaring music is piercing through their ears while authorities - by and large - have given this issue a cold shoulder.
The lively nightlife, which has long been a hallmark of Goa's tourism scene, is now increasingly becoming a cause of distress to the residents.
"The sounds echo throughout the night. Commercial establishments are prioritising revenue profit but our genuine issue is being overlooked. Living here is getting unbearable and we have no option," Norris Barreto, a Morjim resident said while narrating the ordeal on behalf of other local families too.
The clash between the nightlife and the need for peaceful residential areas has sparked discussions about implementing stricter regulations on noise levels and actual operating hours for entertainment venues. The High Court of Bombay at Goa is nonetheless monitoring the issue with the government recently forming a Joint Special Cell for the purpose. How far it will help the people in these villages is an important question.
"We completely understand the industry but do these business hubs have any sympathy to the problems we face due to noise pollution? The music is played from evening till next morning, and though we have time and again raised the issue with these organizers, they pay no heed to our requests," Anjuna local Samantha Luis alleged.
Multiple complaints to police stations, candlelight march to show protest against noisy parties, and even petitions before various local authorities have led to zero action.
Janet Moraes, residing in Vagator, attributes her daughter's poor performance in Class X exams to the booming sound round the clock. "The loud music had been playing day and night, and the board exams coincided with Easter time. My daughter couldn't concentrate... She didn't get sound sleep nor peaceful environment to study. We felt helpless," she said. The musical shows continue all round the year, she alleged.
The issue was brought to the notice of local MLA Delilah Lobo, who, along with a delegation, approached North Collector Sneha Gitte on Friday.
"The Collector has promised to resolve the matter. We are hopeful for relief in the coming days, and at the same time urge the authorities to expedite the matter at their level," Moraes said.
Not only health and studies but local businesses are also facing the brunt. Running a guest house for decades, Moraes is now finding it difficult to get clients who seek a peaceful ambience. "Believe me or not, this is Christmas time and I don't have one guest," she stated.
Similarly, Rita Ali who runs a French-North African restaurant has empty tables. "I have a small restaurant of six tables but hardly two are occupied at most times. The noisy village has had repercussions on my business," she complained.
The local business operators have seen their clients routing to South Goa to avoid the noisy coastal belt in north.
