PANJIM/MARGAO: Diwali, the festival of lights, is here again and so is the fear of the residents of ear-splitting music played the whole night while Narkasur effigy is burnt.
In the past, authorities were found turning a deaf ear to the rampant violations as the sound levels crossed the stipulated levels. But the recent verdict of the Supreme Court on bursting of firecrackers and the High Court order to restrict sound pollution has brought relief to the people.
The GSPCB has sent copies of the Supreme Court order to both the District Collectors and the Goa Police, who have been asked to keep a strict vigil on loud music played at midnight and restrictions on the use of firecrackers.
Margao Additional Collector-I Srinet Kothwale said that there are already rules being laid down by the State government including the Goa State Pollution Control Board wherein no loud music is allowed beyond midnight even during the annual festivals.
The big question is, are the district authorities implementing them
Speaking to O Heraldo, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) Chairman Mahesh Patil said, “The District Collector and Police normally control noise. We have very little role except for monitoring. For noise, the standard procedure is the same. Whenever there is a violation, the police have to act. The Deputy Collector of the concerned Taluka or Police Inspector of the concerned police station have to act, if there is a violation.”
However, there is an important take on why the number and extent of narkasur celebrations is on the rise with local authorities not in a position to put a stop to them.
Anil Pai, a senior citizen from Margao said that this nuisance created by the people involved in making Narkasur, has shifted the focus from the main festival of Diwali.
“Actually, the State authorities should act strictly against those engaged in playing loud music in the night on the occasion of Narkasur. The Narkasur is never a part of the Diwali festival in Goa, however, in recent times the backing by the political leaders has added more to the mess,” he stated.
Vinayak Mordekar, another senior citizen, said that music should be allowed as this is an annual event. But there should be restrictions on playing loud music so that no noise pollution and disturbance is caused to the people.
Panjim PI Nikhil Palekar told O Heraldo that a meeting of the organisers was held and they were instructed to follow the guidelines.
“We held a meeting with the organisers, where we told them that music will have to be played after getting permission. We have given them a time limit till midnight. We also asked them to ensure that there is no traffic congestion on the roads. Competitions too will have to be concluded by midnight. If any violation is found, then action will be taken as per law,” he said.
Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GPACAN) coordinator Roland Martins said, “Celebration of Narkasur and other such festivities should not be allowed in colonies and complexes as it causes huge discomfort to senior citizens, the sick and pets. However, a common open space should be identified by the local municipal council or village panchayat for such celebrations,” he said.
He said festivities should start early, at 6 pm and end by midnight. “The extent of noise pollution which would be required to be checked using the decibel meter and the other is the violation of the time limit. In view of this, there would be a need for a mobile unit consisting of a representative of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) who would be in possession of the decibel meter and a representative of the Goa Police to accompany for protection and to book the required offence,” he said.