Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) on Tuesday issued directives to the Panjim police to ensure that sound from the music system accompanying the Narkasur effigy remains within legally permitted time and sound limits.
The order pertains to celebrations near Kamat Arcade, Block-B, St Inez, scheduled for the night of October 30. The GHRC’s decision comes after petitioner Thomas Henry D’Souza raised concerns about noise levels and the placement of the effigy and sound system near an internal road.
While the effigy location remains unchanged, the Commission has mandated that the sound system be placed approximately 20 metres from Kamat Arcade, positioned on the public pavement facing the road. Police have also been tasked with conducting routine inspections to monitor compliance with sound regulations and maintain public order.
During the site inspection, the two-member Commission comprising acting Chairperson Desmond D’Costa and Member Pramod V Kamat found that the main objection of the complainant was on the location of the Narkasur effigy being made ready next to the Kamat Arcade Building, Block-B, next to the internal road and which was to be fixed at the same spot alongwith the sound system for the celebrations on the night of Wednesday, October 30.
After hearing all the parties, the Commission recommended that the Narkasur effigy presently next to the Kamat Arcade, to be put up for the celebration at the same spot. However, the sound system be placed on the public pavement in front of a restaurant.
The Commission has asked the Panjim PI to also ensure that sound is within the time and sound limits as permitted by the North Goa District Magistrateand to carry out the routine inspections in accordance with law, to monitor the sound and law and order problems. This order is only in respect of the Narkasur effigy being prepared next to the Kamat Arcade, Block-B and the sound system of the said effigy.
The Panjim police are required to submit an Action Taken Report to the GHRC by November 12.