MAPUSA
Concerned about the approaching board exams, locals of Siolim raised their hackles against loud music being played by the hotels and restaurants in the coastal village.
The villagers claim that the music commences during the sunset and conclude on next day morning inconveniencing the local residents particularly the student community.
They said a number of complaints have been made to different authorities but unfortunately no action is forthcoming.
“Most of the hotels play music throughout the night and till early next morning. Our children cannot concentrate on their studies due to the blaring music belted by these hoteliers. The government should take cognizance of this matter and take action against such hotels,” said a parent in the village.
Slamming the noise pollution going on in the village, the headmaster of Shri Vasant Vidyalaya high school, Suraj Chodankar said after a long break due to Covid crisis the government has started offline classes but the students are not at peace as loud music played by the unscrupulous hotels and restaurants do not allow them to focus on their studies.
“Loud music is being played from around 7 pm to 4 am next morning and this happens on a daily basis. It’s a big problem in Siolim. Very soon, SSC exams will begin. With loud music booming throughout the night, how will our students be able to study?” Chodankar lamented.
He said he has petitioned to various authorities including the local police against loud music but was unable to make any difference so far.
“I complained to police and other authorities on February 27, 28 and again on March 2 and 4 but not a single authority has taken note of my complaints. I even approached the Goa State Pollution Control Board but so far has not been successful,” he said.
The headmaster and the locals, however, said that they were not against playing of music in hotels and bar and restaurants but the music should be played in a controlled environment.
“We don’t want the hotels to stop playing the music but they should reduce the sound or make their hotels/restaurants soundproof. At least during the time of examinations the music should stop,” Chodankar said.
Several villagers pointed to a hotel in Vaddy, Siolim which is notorious for indulging in illegal activities including playing loud music beyond permissible limits.
“Due to sound pollution our students cannot concentrate on their studies. We are not against the hotels. But they should at least stop playing the music till exams are complete or else play the music at a reduced volume,” said Nilesh Vaigankar, former sarpanch of Sodiem, Siolim.
