Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Aug 8: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that the government is open to extending the current 10 pm music deadline to 1 am at shacks, restaurants, and open halls — especially for weddings and tourism-related events.

Sawant’s assurance came during a discussion on a starred question raised by Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai, who argued that the 10 pm sound restriction was hurting Goa’s vibrant tourism economy. Sardesai cited Bengaluru’s model, where establishments are permitted to operate till 1 am, leading to a significant boost in tourism and nightlife. “If it works there, why can’t it work here?” he asked, urging the Speaker to consider allowing operations beyond 10 pm with regulated sound levels.

In response, Sawant said, “I don’t want tourism to be affected. We will study the matter. We have no problem granting permission, but the issue is with environmental activists who file complaints. This is the main problem. We are working out something within the law; we cannot bypass the Supreme Court verdict.”

Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira added that the state government is consulting senior lawyers in Delhi to explore the possibility of filing a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order prohibiting music beyond 10 pm. “It is the SC order that binds us,” Sequeira explained, noting that the Chief Minister has raised the issue several times with the Union Environment Minister.

Sardesai further questioned why Goa could not adopt global norms that allow low-volume ambient music at night, provided it does not exceed 45 decibels in residential areas. He argued that such a model could benefit both the tourism sector and local residents by balancing entertainment with peace.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government is committed to finding a solution within the legal framework that addresses the concerns of both tourists and residents. “We are looking at a legal mechanism that promotes tourism without violating the law,” Sawant said.