The Goa government will reportedly explore the possibility of relaxing the sound restriction beyond 10 pm for tourism-related events and businesses, local weddings, and other functions while staying within the legal framework and without violating the Supreme Court verdict. The Supreme Court of India has issued various orders and directions to address noise pollution, emphasising the right to a peaceful environment and regulating noise-generating activities. Noise pollution can have harmful effects on human health, wildlife, and environmental quality and can cause digestive disorders, stress, and insomnia in people who are exposed to high decibels of noise. It can affect infants and schoolchildren who have to study for exams.
On the flip side, nightlife in Goa, which is a party destination, has surely taken a hit with the sound restrictions. Relaxing sound restriction timings beyond 10 pm is also crucial to promote Goa’s image as a wedding destination. Hence, there needs to be a balancing act while going ahead with the relaxation of the time limit for playing loud music. There need not be a blanket relaxation of the time limit. Permission needs to be granted on a case-by-case basis. The volume of the music that is being played should also be taken into consideration and needs to be under predetermined decibels, which should be monitored by the authorities concerned. By relaxing the timing, a win-win situation should be created for both the industry and local communities. Playing loud music within closed doors should not be an issue, as it is when playing music at open-air venues.
