MAPUSA
It was party-time along the Anjuna coast even as the State has been battling a raging Covid-19 pandemic.
At least two party hotspots along the beach organized full-blown parties with DJ music et al to a select crowd this weekend.
Surprisingly, none of the attendees sported a mask while social distancing skipped the beat as the booming music sent the party enthusiasts into a complete frenzy.
Under the unlock 4.0 the Goa government has allowed bars and pubs to reopen provided they follow all Covid-related guidelines and fill only up to 50 percent of their capacity.
One of the hotspots is located along the Anjuna beach road after the Starco junction while the other is perched on a cliff next to the ‘Waters’ in Vagator.
A mix of mostly tourists and some locals were seen having a ball of a time at the party which dragged on beyond midnight.
In fact, one of the parties was also uploaded on the Instagram.
“Such parties are held in secret. No advertising. The invites go to a close circle of followers through the social media,” said a person who is into entertainment and a veteran in the party scene of Goa.
A senior officer at the office of sub-divisional magistrate informed that anyone using an amplifier has to take permission of the deputy collector.
“Since the Covid-19 lockdown we have not issued permission to play amplified music to anyone. Secondly, there is no chance to issue such permissions as we have not received any instructions from the collector,” the officer said.
According to Deputy Collector Mamu Hage (IAS) parties and social gathering of less than 100 persons has been allowed under the guidelines of unlock 4.0.
“Any kind of gathering, social or political is allowed but the number of people has to be less than 100. So parties will come under the social gathering bracket. But if it is a party with loud music then it should have the required sound permission,” Hage said.
She also said that the particular restaurant or pub organiser should ensure that the participants follow all the other mandatory guidelines of wearing masks and social distancing.
Incidentally, both the party locales were located just 500 meters away from the Anjuna police station.
Attempts to contact Anjuna PI, Suraj Gawas remained futile as he refused to take calls.
