MAPUSA
In the once serene coastal belt of North Goa, particularly in Anjuna and Vagator, a troubling reality has taken root.
As the sun sets, these areas transform into party hubs, where loud music blares through the night, much to the distress of the local residents.
However, beneath the surface of this relentless noise lies a far more insidious issue “ corruption.
For years, the locals of Anjuna and Vagator have battled the menace of loud music that invades their homes, disrupting their lives and depriving them of peace.
The elderly, heart patients, and those seeking solace in these once-quiet villages find themselves struggling to cope with the incessant noise. Despite their repeated complaints, little has changed.
The reason, many believe, is the deep-rooted corruption that has allowed this chaos to thrive.
A battle for survival
Those who have taken up the fight against noise pollution have gradually come to a unanimous conclusion: corruption is the real culprit.
According to these activists, money fuels the survival and growth of the rave parties that dominate the coastal belt. Almost every authority, they allege, has their hands in the till.
Locals like Darshan Bhatia, a petitioner against noise pollution, have lost faith in the government and are now pinning their hopes on the High Court.
Bhatia, a resident of Arpora, is outspoken about the role of corruption in perpetuating the problem.
“Police get a hell of a lot of money to look the other way while the clubs and restaurants make merry by playing loud music,” he said.
Bhatia also revealed that notorious clubs even offer bribes to residents in the vicinity to dissuade them from lodging complaints.
“People keep talking about noise pollution, but the real issue is corruption,” Bhatia emphasized.
“It has become so blatant that the police are not afraid of the High Court. The cops have become so brazen and audacious that they are not worried about contempt or strictures from the judiciary.”
Corruption conundrum
Desmond Alvares, another petitioner, echoed Bhatia’s sentiments, pointing out that the problem is deeply rooted in corruption.
According to Alvares, corruption plays a crucial role in keeping the loud music and party scene alive along the coast.
He alleges that bribes are paid to the police, officials from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), and others, all to ensure that the music never stops.
“There is full-swing corruption,” Alvares asserted. “Club owners openly proclaim that they have settled the police, and that’s why they continue to operate with impunity.”
Alvares believes that the authorities could easily shut down the music if they wanted to, but the government’s vested interests prevent them from doing so. “If the police want, they can shut down the music within seconds,” he said. “But the government isn’t serious about tackling the issue because they want the parties to continue.”
Community in crisis
The impact of this corruption and the subsequent noise pollution has left the residents of Anjuna and Vagator in despair.
Activist Sagardeep Sirsaikar from Anjuna admits that there is an “unholy alliance” between the police and club owners, ensuring that the loud music continues unchecked.
“It’s big-time corruption,” Sirsaikar said. “Haftas (bribes) are paid to everyone and at every level. Anyone who comes in the way of the illegal business of the clubs and restaurants is settled.”
This situation has pushed the locals to the brink, leaving them with no choice but to turn to the High Court for relief. For many, the court is their last hope in the fight against this unchecked menace.
Bhatia argues that the solution is simple and lies in law enforcement.
“It’s a straightforward matter of enforcing the law,” he said. “The police just need to check the sound levels, book a case, and if it happens again, confiscate the equipment. If you take action against 10 places, another 20 will shut down and follow the law.”
The human toll
The consequences of this ongoing battle are most evident in the daily lives of the locals.
Bhatia describes the situation in Anjuna and Vagator as “horrible,” with people, particularly the elderly and those with health issues, unable to sleep due to the incessant noise.
“I have no problem with partying,” Bhatia clarified. “And I don’t think anyone else does. But the partying must be organized properly and within the ambit of the law.”
While Bhatia advocates for soundproofing and indoor partying, Alvares counters that such measures are impractical given the temporary nature of the structures along the coast. “These clubs are mostly located in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas,” Alvares explained. “They are all temporary structures made of steel and therefore cannot be soundproofed.”
A community united
Despite the challenges, the villagers of Anjuna and Vagator have shown that unity can bring about change. However, the road ahead remains fraught with difficulties.
Activists like Janie Crasto of Ozrant have little faith in the government’s ability to address the issue.
“The law and order situation has completely collapsed in our village,” Crasto lamented. “It’s free for all. Anyone can play music at any time of the night or day without following the laws.”
Crasto recalled a disheartening encounter from two years ago when she tried to lodge a complaint against noise pollution.
“I was told that the loud music would never stop because a lot of money was involved,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Crasto remains determined. “We have to step up and say no to the wrong that is going on. I am not scared a wee bit. I will always fight for justice, even if I have to stand alone out there.”
Failure of governance
The persistent noise pollution and the government’s inaction have left residents like Jawish Moniz of Vagator questioning the very fabric of governance in the region.
“The lack of action against noise pollution indicates a complete failure of governance,” Moniz said.
“For those in the tourism business, Anjuna and Vagator are gold mines. Many top politicians own clubs and restaurants by proxy and are squeezing every last buck out of it.”
Moniz pointed to the recent example of Romeo Lane, a club that was demolished on the High Court’s orders, only to be rebuilt right into the sea. “They thumb their nose at the law,” he said.
As the battle against noise pollution continues, the residents of Anjuna and Vagator are left clinging to their last hope “ the High Court.
The fight against corruption is a daunting one, but the determination of these coastal communities offers a glimmer of hope. Whether the courts will bring about the change that the locals desperately need remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the fight is far from over.
