Residents rally for peace of mind amid unchecked late-night parties
MAPUSA
After enduring yet another noisy Independence Day weekend, where clubs and restaurants along the coastal belt blasted music late into the night despite repeated complaints, residents of Anjuna and Vagator have decided they’ve had enough.
Tired of what they call “deaf” authorities, locals are now preparing to stage a three-day peaceful candlelight protest outside the Anjuna Police Station starting Friday.
For years, the nightlife hub of Anjuna-Vagator has been at the centre of a tug-of-war between entertainment and residents’ right to peace.
The surge of late-night parties and unregulated sound systems has brought tourists in droves, but it has also robbed locals of their sleep.
Repeated complaints to the police and the administration have done little to control the menace.
“The law is clear. Loud music after 10 pm is banned. Yet, clubs and restaurants continue to get away with it,” said Ana Fernandes, a long-time resident and campaigner.
“Sleep is not a luxury – it’s our right. If the authorities won’t act, we will keep raising our voices, even if silently,” she added.
The protest plan is simple but symbolic. Residents will gather at the Anjuna Police Station at 8 pm and then move to various venues accused of violating noise rules.
Armed with placards and candles, they will stage silent demonstrations outside these establishments to register their protest.
Campaigner Desmond Alvares explained, “This is not about confrontation. It’s about peacefully showing the government that we are determined to reclaim our nights.”
The move comes after a particularly raucous Independence Day weekend when, according to villagers, music blared till the early hours, leaving many sleepless. The frustration deepened as police allegedly ignored multiple complaints.
This is not the first time Anjuna has witnessed such mobilisation.
Last year, in the run-up to Independence Day, villagers staged a similar march outside clubs and the police station. The demonstrations lasted five days and forced authorities to crack down.
“Over seventeen FIRs were filed against violators last year. That was the only time we saw action,” Fernandes recalled.
But this year, the residents are bracing for challenges. The monsoon rains could dampen the turnout, while some fear intimidation by club owners and vested interests. Yet, a core group of residents is determined to press on.
“The authorities may ignore us, but we cannot ignore our health and our peace of mind. This is about protecting our community from becoming unlivable,” said a resident, requesting anonymity
Whether the protest draws a large crowd or remains symbolic, it highlights the deepening frustration of locals caught in the crossfire between Goa’s booming nightlife economy and their right to restful nights.
As candles light up the streets of Anjuna on Friday night, the silent march will stand as both a cry for peace and a challenge to the authorities – will they finally act, or will residents be left to fight their battle alone?
