EDM Festival Held in Anjuna Without
Permission: VP files complaint
Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: In a stark example of the ongoing tensions between Goa’s vibrant nightlife and the need for regulatory compliance, the Anjuna-Caisua Village Panchayat has lodged a formal complaint against the organizers of an Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festival held at Echo in Vagator, Anjuna.
The complaint to GSPCB, Anjuna Police and Dy Collector, alleges that the event, titled “Circus X Namas’cray Experiences 2024/Ny 2025,” was conducted without the necessary permissions, causing significant disturbance to the local community.
The complaint, submitted by Laxmi Chimulkar, the Sarpanch of Anjuna-Caisua Village Panchayat, on December 30, 2024, addresses the Goa State Pollution Control Board, the Deputy Collector and Sub Divisional Officer of Mapusa, and the Police Inspector of Anjuna Police Station.
The letter highlights that the event, which took place from December 28 to 31, 2024, at 8:00 PM onwards, featured loud music that continued into the morning hours without obtaining prior permission from the village panchayat, as mandated by the Goa Panchayat Raj Act.
“The Event is in total violation of all the norms, as informed by the locals/Villagers thereby creating nuisance and havoc and totally disturbing the peace and serenity of the Villagers,” the letter states. The panchayat has requested immediate action against the organizers and the proprietor of the premises, citing the disruption caused to the local residents.
The complaint underscores the severity of the issue, noting that “the loud music is continued till morning” and that this has resulted in a significant disturbance to the peace and serenity of the villagers. The letter also emphasizes the legal violations involved, stating that the event was conducted “without obtaining prior permission from the Village Panchayat Anjuna-Caisua as required under Goa Panchayat Raj Act.”
This incident is not an isolated case but part of a broader crackdown on noise pollution in Goa’s coastal areas. Recently, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has intensified its efforts to enforce noise regulations, revoking the operating licenses of several establishments in Anjuna and Vagator for violating noise pollution norms.
The region, known for its vibrant nightlife, has seen growing concerns about the environmental and social impact of these events. Local residents and environmental activists have been vocal about the need for stricter enforcement of regulations to maintain the peace and tranquility of the area.
As of now, there has been no official response from the authorities regarding the specific complaint filed by the Anjuna-Caisua Village Panchayat. However, given the recent actions by the GSPCB and the high court’s directives to continue the crackdown on noise pollution, it is likely that the authorities will take this complaint seriously and initiate appropriate action.
