PANJIM: The Goa State Pollution Control Board was called out severely by the High Court, which asked them “If you have issued show cause notices, why have FIRs not been registered? How will the police start investigation, if no FIRs are filed? It appears that government is openly allowing illegalities. Herald TV asked people “Is the GSPCB and Government protecting the noise polluting units?” Here are the responses.
It is ridiculous that the Goa state Pollution Control Board told the court that they do not know the address of the Club Hilltop. It appears that the GSPCB is directly involved and does not take any action against the violators particularly in Anjuna and Vagator. They were clearly told by the High Court to fix the sound monitoring stations, but till now many of the clubs have not done this yet. Even when the monitoring stations are set, not a single action has been taken by GSPCB. Right now there is music blaring near my house coming from a Club in broad daylight. We are suffering everyday. We have heard that the Pramod Sawant government is hand in glove with these clubs and that they have given a free hand to these clubs.
Jarvis Moniz Resident, Anjuna
On Friday, villagers of Anjuna had gathered infront of the Anjuna Panchayat, since the sound pollution has become so bad, that even Justice Valmiki, of the High Court had to mention that people just want to live in peace, they just want to sleep, the students want to study. It is very absurd that the GSPCB had to say that they do not know the address of the venue where the music is being played. Hilltop is a known club and even tourists are aware of it. When we call the Goa Police they say that there is no noise heard. When will the government stand up and take action to protect its citizens?
Dr Inacio Fernandes Resident, Anjuna
We have filed writ petition with the government, filed complaints but nothing is happening. Two days ago the High Court has virtually slapped the GSPCB since it is not taking any action. The present government is so high handed that it does not even appear to be scared of the High Court. They are just not bothered about the Goans. We organized so many agitation, organized so many candle light marches but they are just not bothered. This government of Pramod Sawant is only bothered about haftas ( kickbacks). They are bothered how to collect haftas and how to protect the Delhiites clubs and allow them a free hand.
Ravi Harmalkar, Resident, Anjuna
Sadly there is no respect for the High Court order by any of the government officials. Even the police station, the panchayat, even the collector, nobody is doing their duty because in my village Anjuna till today there is noise pollution existing. This shows that they are not even scared of contempt of court. What is even more shocking is that the government has relaxed few days in November and December and it says “case by case”. I really don’t know why they have done this, when they know it is contempt of court. It’s shocking and disturbing. Imagine what is going to happen on December 31 with all the fireworks. The fireworks are the deadliest pollutants. And government is giving them a free hand by relaxing the timings?
Janie Crasto, Mother of Special Child, Anjuna