NT Reporter
Panaji
With the issue of sound restriction limit for tourism-related events being debated in the recently concluded monsoon session of the state legislative assembly, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has said it favours playing of music at outdoor events until 11 pm and not
beyond that.
The travel industry body also seems acceptable to the idea of the Sunburn music festival moving out of Goa, “as it is held during a jam-packed December-end to New Year’s period in the state”.
President of TTAG Jack Sukhija on Saturday said playing of outdoor music should only be extended from the present time of 10 pm to 11 pm, and within permissible decibel levels as prescribed by law. He said the excise department limit for serving drinks should be till 12 midnight for all establishments.
“Extension in timing will help events, restaurants, shacks and outdoor-indoor venues while also taking into consideration the issues faced by nearby residential areas,” said Sukhija.
He pointed out that locals are against the authorities giving permission to outdoor spaces to play music after 11pm, as it will affect residential premises and people who reside near the event venues.
“The sound restriction limit should be strictly adhered to in Anjuna, Vagator and other areas where recurring complaints have been registered and issues even reached court, as people residing near the venues in such areas clearly get affected,” said Sukhija.
The TTAG has sought that indoor venues with proper permissions and sound-proofing be exempt from the sound restrictions.
The government is keen on enhancing the sound restriction limit beyond 10 pm, with some MLAs asking for the limit to be as late as 1 am. Legislators have also regretted the decision of the Sunburn festival organisers to move the mega musical event out of Goa to Mumbai.
According to TTAG, over the past couple of years, a lot of smaller festivals and events have come up in the state around the same time period as Sunburn. “The smaller festivals are more spread out over multiple locations and they still help the local businesses while not involving large scale concentration in one area,” said Sukhija.
He said the Sunburn issue comes up every year, as the government does not make its stance clear until the last month thereby leaving the organisers and ticket holders in limbo.
“While it (Sunburn) does benefit the local businesses of Goa, it also creates a lot of congestion in a particular area, which leads to the locals residing in the area facing hardships. It has always been up to Sunburn and the government to decide and plan appropriately. Unfortunately, the planning has not been up to the mark for such a large-scale festival,” said Sukhija.
