MAPUSA
In the vibrant yet chaotic Anjuna-Vagator region, where coastal serenity meets nightlife frenzy, a group of determined women took the spotlight at Sunday’s gram sabha, demanding a return to peace.
Their voices rose in unison, opposing the relentless blare of nightclub music and sprawling mega events that have disrupted the daily lives of villagers along the coast.
Leading the charge was Janie Crasto, whose personal story struck a chord with many.
“We can’t even attend church services during Christmas or New Year because of the unbearable traffic,” she lamented, pointing to the chaos that takes over the village during tourist season.
For Crasto, the noise is more than just a nuisance “ it’s a profound disruption.
“My child with special needs struggles to cope with the constant noise. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a violation of our right to peace,” she said.
Struggle for normalcy
The women’s protest wasn’t about silencing music altogether; it was a fight against excess.
They highlighted how clubs and restaurants often flout legal norms and High Court directives, playing loud music well past the 10 pm deadline.
Traffic mismanagement added fuel to the fire. Narrow village roads, already stretched to capacity, are routinely choked with vehicles parked haphazardly by nightclub patrons. The obstruction not only delays residents but sometimes traps them in their own homes.
Ana Fernandes and Janet Moraes joined Crasto in voicing these concerns. “We’re not against mega events but give us proper roads and manage the traffic jams,” said Moraes.
“The authorities must ensure basic infrastructure is in place. Traffic management, proper parking and adequate power and water supply for villagers should come first,” stressed Fernandes.
A village divided
While the women spoke out with passion and urgency, the men in the room offered a mixed response.
Some supported the call for restrictions, but others argued in favour of music and mega events, claiming these activities drive local businesses and sustain livelihoods.
Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar found himself walking a tightrope.
“The community is divided “ half oppose the events and noise, while the other half support them,” he acknowledged.
Chimulkar proposed a special meeting to deliberate further but emphasized the need for concrete evidence to act against establishments already facing police FIRs.
Incidentally, Dr Inacio Fernandes, a victim of assault during the previous gram sabha, made it a point to attend the latest meeting, though he chose to remain a silent observer. Meanwhile, Gajanan Tilve, the alleged assailant, was notably absent, but his group of associates was present at the gathering.
Nostalgia for quieter times
For many residents, the fight isn’t just about enforcing laws; it’s about preserving a way of life.
“Rave parties in the jungle never disturbed anyone,” Crasto recalled. “Now, these clubs have moved into residential areas, robbing us of our peace,” she added.
Her sentiment resonated deeply in a room where women, often sidelined in public discourse, held center stage.
Their message was clear: they were not against progress or tourism but demanded balance and respect for the village’s residents.
Call for decisive action
As the gram sabha concluded, the women remained resolute.
They urged the panchayat to pass a resolution curbing excessive noise and to implement measures that prioritize the well-being of the community over unchecked commercial interests.
For Crasto, Fernandes, Moraes and the other women who raised their voices, the fight is far from over.
But their message is loud and clear: peace is not a privilege “ it’s a right, and they won’t rest until it’s restored to Anjuna-Vagator.
