I often see Anjuna in the news, particularly over the menace of sound pollution, and I must applaud the villagers who are fighting it tooth and nail. They are up against what seems like a totally compromised system—ranging from the Anjuna Police (including senior Goa Police officials), the Chief/Home Minister, Local MLA, Tourism Minister, Panchayat authorities—all of whom appear to have turned a blind eye and even allowed violators to openly defy court orders.
What needs to be stressed is that this is not just Anjuna’s battle. Goans from other coastal villages must extend their support because, given the way the Goa administration is granting permissions and blatantly permitting sound violations, this menace will soon engulf other coastal areas—if it hasn’t already. I have been witnessing the same disturbing trend emerging in Colva over the past few months.
In essence, the villagers of Anjuna are not only defending their own peace but are also standing as a shield to protect other Goan villages from this growing menace.
