MAPUSA
Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo on Wednesday urged the Anjuna Police to enforce strict noise regulations, calling for all nightclubs and restaurants along the Anjuna-Vagator coastal belt to cease playing loud music by 10 pm.
Lobo warned that if the noise pollution continues, she would escalate the matter to the High Court.
Lobo also called on the government to develop a comprehensive "club policy" to address the issue of restaurants operating as nightclubs after obtaining NOCs from panchayats as bars and restaurants.
She highlighted the ongoing nuisance caused by these establishments, particularly during the long weekend starting from Independence Day (August 15), when several clubs and restaurants have been aggressively promoting non-stop music events online.
Local residents have also voiced their concerns, planning a candlelight march to the Anjuna Police Station on August 15 to protest the loud music.
"I urge the authorities to take immediate and strict action against clubs, pubs, and restaurants that are violating noise pollution regulations by playing loud music. The police must maintain strict vigilance during the upcoming long weekend, from August 14 onwards, to ensure compliance," Lobo said, while submitting a memorandum to Calangute PI Paresh Naik, who currently holds additional charge of the Anjuna Police Station.
Lobo further requested the deployment of police personnel at critical locations and habitual offender clubs to ensure swift enforcement of noise regulations.
She emphasised that the ongoing noise pollution has significantly impacted the quality of life for local residents, particularly the elderly and students.
"The persistence of this noise pollution issue has greatly affected the lives of residents, especially the elderly and students. I urge the authorities to take prompt and decisive action to resolve this matter," she said.
Accompanied by members of the Anjuna panchayat and concerned villagers, Lobo met with the Anjuna PI on Wednesday morning to express their grievances regarding the loud music played by clubs.
She noted that similar meetings and memorandums had been submitted to the district collector and other authorities in the past, but little had been done to address the issue.
"This year, we will not allow this to continue. If the police, specifically the concerned PI, fail to take action, we will approach the High Court. Don't take us for granted," Lobo warned.
Lobo suggested that after 10 p.m., club patrons should use headphones if they wish to continue dancing, ensuring that the noise level is reduced and does not disturb the local community.
"The club owners should invest a little more in headphones so that their customers can dance all night without causing a disturbance. Loud music will not be tolerated because the health of the people comes first," she stated.
Lobo also criticised clubs that operate as restaurants on paper but function as nightclubs, causing a disturbance to the locals. She emphasised the need for a clear club policy to address the issue of loud music.
"We want good tourists to come, but we don't want the music to go on endlessly. I will meet the Chief Minister to stress the importance of creating a club policy, which could also generate revenue for the government," Lobo concluded.
