MARGAO
Fireworks display and use of thermocol confetti, especially at weddings, dances and other events at open air dance halls in Salcete may soon be a thing of the past if Sub-divisional Magistrate, Margao Ajit Panchwadkar has his way.
Reason: The SDM ostensibly feels that fireworks lead to air pollution, which if goes unchecked, may pollute the environment, a la Delhi. And, owners of open dance halls also agree that use of thermocol confetti is posing a huge problem for them.
In fact, the SDM has mulled a host of instructions to owners of open air dance floors located across the taluka, including a ban on fireworks at weddings, dances and other parties. This became evident at a meeting Panchwadkar had with owners of dance floors at the South Goa district Collectorate on Monday, which was attended by around 20 owners.
The authorities, sources said, are also exploring the possibility of enforcing a ban on use of confetti at weddings.
Briefing the media after a meeting with the owners of dance halls in the wake of complaints that acute parking problems at some of open air dance halls create hardships for local residents for want of haphazard parking, Panchwadkar said the owners have been told in clear terms that they should make adequate parking arrangements inside the venue. Moreover, he pointed out complaints have come from residents stating that waste generated at dance halls is not disposed off properly. “I have made it very clear to the owners that vehicular parking cannot take place on the roads outside and it is their responsibility to arrange the facility inside their venue. Local residents should not suffer for no fault of theirs”, the SDM asserted.
On the disposal of waste generated at the open air/closed halls, the SDM said owners should take care of the waste by constructing composting pits. “My office has received complaints that waste is just thrown in the open by some unscrupulous owners. This should stop forthwith”, he added.
The owners were also told to ensure that the timings in respect of playing loud music is complied with in both letter and spirit. “The owners should ensure that the bands reduce the sound decibel especially during examination time so that the music does not cause disturbance to students in the neighbourhood”, he said.
Panchwadkar said owners have extended their cooperation and support to regulate the activity, including a ban on fireworks. “They have suggested that authorities come out with a circular to all the open air dance floors for implementation. Some of them also raised the issue of use of confetti at wedding receptions and how to avoid the same”, he added, while disclosing plans to put in place a set of guidelines regulating the activity.
Owner of Wild Orchids, Majorda, Prakash Gracias said most of the owners have agreed on the need to stop burning fire crackers and use of confetti at weddings and parties. “We have only asked the SDM to come out with a circular to enforce the directions”, he said.
As far as the disposal of waste generated at the wedding and dance parties is concerned, he said garbage generated is taken care of by the caterers. “Most of the caterers have piggeries and the waste is taken by them. Even plastic bottles are being sold by the owners”, he said.
