Dusk-to-dawn parties are the bane of the lives of the elderly and the young. (Picture for representational purposes only) Gomantak Times
OPINIONATED

Addressing the menace of dusk-to-dawn parties in Goa

The loud trance music played at these parties is one of the main issues affecting locals

Fr Carlos Luis

Goa is known for its vibrant nightlife, offering a variety of experiences for tourists. Beach parties, clubs, bars, and sunset cruises are popular, with many beachfront restaurants and bars hosting colourful decorations and music.

Full-moon parties, held on beaches at Anjuna and Palolem, are known for their laid-back atmosphere. 

Sunset parties offer chilled-out music and breathtaking views while cruises along the Mandovi River provide a festive atmosphere. Goa hosts numerous music festivals and events, including the Sunburn Festival, one of Asia’s largest electronic dance music festivals. 

Street markets like the Anjuna Flea Market and Arpora Night Market offer a mix of shopping, food, live music and entertainment. Cultural performances provide a glimpse into the state’s rich cultural heritage. 

The nightlife scene in Goa can vary depending on the time of year, with the peak season being from November to February. 

We are slowly but surely graduating to provide our tourists with the best experience possible. The parties that are currently taking place in Goa reel in tourists with trance music. 

Its driving beats can energise and motivate people to move and dance, resulting in feelings of exhilaration and the release of endorphins.

The calming and immersive qualities of trance can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Trance music is often used as background music for tasks requiring concentration, such as studying or working. 

It’s not all sunshine and happiness though. Trance music can have negative effects on the human brain, including auditory fatigue and disorientation. 

Due to its ability to effect altered states of mind, people involved with drugs or alcohol are more likely to seek it out. 

Auditory fatigue can result from prolonged exposure to high volumes of trance music, causing symptoms like tinnitus and hearing loss. 

Due to its ability to effect altered states of mind, people involved with drugs or alcohol are more likely to seek it out. 

The effects of trance music on the brain are complex and depend on factors like personality, listening volume, duration and setting. 

The dusk-to-dawn parties that offer trance music can significantly affect the locals’ quality of life. The loud music and noise can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating. 

Regular sound inspections need to be conducted at event venues.

The large crowds can cause congestion and traffic problems, making daily life difficult. Additionally, these parties can increase crime and antisocial behaviour, as intoxicated and tired individuals are more likely to engage in risky or reckless behaviour, which we continuously witness. 

It is crucial to address these issues to improve the quality of life for locals.

To address the negative effects of late-night parties on local residents, government authorities can implement various measures and policies. 

These include: 

  • Enforcing strict noise ordinances and requiring event organisers to obtain permits and licenses for large parties. 

  • Establishing designated party zones and implementing soundproofing regulations. 

  • Establishing curfews and increasing police presence. 

  • Appointing community liaison officers and conducting public awareness campaigns. 

  • Setting up complaint hotlines.

  • Promoting alternative event spaces and staggered closing times. 

  • Improving public transportation options during late-night hours. 

  • Enforcing fines and penalties for repeat violations and promoting responsible hosting practices.

  • Involving residents and organisations in discussions and decision-making processes. 

  • Conducting regular sound inspections at event venues and requiring environmental impact assessments before hosting large parties. 

Only vigilance on the part of locals and constant pressure on the government to enforce rules can alleviate the deleterious effects of dusk-to-dawn parties in Goa. 

Effective mitigation strategies often involve a combination of these measures, tailored to the specific needs and dynamics of the local community.

Collaboration between government authorities, event organisers, and residents is crucial to finding a balanced approach that allows for entertainment while respecting the rights and well-being of the community. 

By implementing these measures, the government can ensure that late-night parties do not disrupt residential neighbourhoods and promote responsible partying and noise control.

While the government has introduced some of the above measures, it has. But it has also repeatedly failed to maintain them. 

This has allowed party organisers the opportunity to find loopholes and other ways to sidestep laws and regulations.

Only vigilance on the part of locals and constant pressure on the government to enforce rules can alleviate the deleterious effects of dusk-to-dawn parties in Goa. 

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