Spooked by likelihood of tourists abandoning Goa, state ask Centre to relax sound norms
Panaji: Fearing the state could lose tourists to other countries due to the sound restrictions, chief minister
Pramod Sawant
said on Monday that Goa would make a representation to Union govt to work out a solution to relax sound restrictions after 10pm.
The tourism season, which has come to an end in Goa, will commence in Oct
'Goa, being a state with an economy largely dependent on tourism, often bears the brunt of sound restrictions. Tourists who flock to the state with the aim of partying all night, as well as wedding planners, are often left disappointed with the 10pm sound ban,' said Sawant.
'In order to ensure that tourists are not inclined to go to other countries (instead), we are requesting the Central govt to work out a solution to relax sound restrictions beyond 10pm for events held in outdoor venues,' said Sawant.
It has often been reported that locals from the coastal belt often complain about loud music being played in their vicinity, and that this disturbs their peace of mind and their children are unable to study. State govt thus decided to crack down on loud music, and several first information reports (FIRs) were filed against establishments along the coastal belt because of sound pollution.
In Jan, with the tourism industry being 'severely hit' by noise pollution norms, Sawant raised the issue with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi, and urged him to bring reforms to create designated zones to allow music beyond 10pm.
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Sawant explained to the PM how tourism was impacted in the state due to noise pollution rules and demanded a relaxation for music in specific zones to promote tourism.
'We have requested the PM to bring in some reforms in the noise pollution regulation and control rules, 2000, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, so that music can be allowed in designated zones beyond 10pm,' Sawant said. Govt wants relaxation in sound norms to streamline the tourism industry in the state and to increase the footfall of domestic and international tourists to Goa. The high court of Bombay directed state govt to 'strictly ensure' that no outdoor music is played beyond 10pm.
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