Restrictions on music dempens festive mood in goa

ermitted in Goa, and other places, in order to restore the enthusiasm at various festivals.

Making a special mention in the Rajya Sabha, today, Mr Naik said that festivals are a part of Indian culture and there can be no festival without sound of festivities. Yet in the name of protection of environment and to meet the demand of social and environment activists, the Government has put restrictions on the use of amplifiers and sound system after 10 p.m.He said Goas is known for its Christmas , new year and carnival festivals. Any restrictions on plying of music during these festivals after 10 p.m. does not go well with the ambience that is created during these festivals.
To say that a particular fundamental right cannot exist in isolation in a water-tight compartment is stretching the issue too far, Mr Naik said.

The Government of India too, have, through their Rules, framed under the Environment Protection Act, laid down restrictions on playing of music beyond certain decibels, namely, for industrial area, Commercial Area, Residential Area and Silence Zone area 75 and 70, 65 and 55, 55 and 45 and 50 and 4o, during ,day time and night time, respectively.

On account of these restrictions the Goan festivals are become dull, and unattractive. If it is contended that these restrictions interfere with the religious rights of individuals, it is argued that no religious text justifies the use of loud music.Enthusiasm in Jatras and Festas in Goa which are popular melas , cannot be artificially suppressed, Mr Naik remarked.